What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces hormones controlling metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. It develops when abnormal thyroid cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors.
The main types of thyroid cancer are:
Papillary thyroid cancer – the most common type, usually slow-growing but can spread to lymph nodes.
Follicular thyroid cancer – tends to spread through the blood to lungs or bones.
Medullary thyroid cancer – a rarer form that can be inherited and may spread early.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer – a very aggressive and rare type, often harder to treat.
Most thyroid cancers are treatable, especially when found early.
Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
A lump or swelling in the neck
Hoarseness or voice changes
Difficulty swallowing
Pain in the neck or throat
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Persistent cough not due to a cold
Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
Medical History & Physical Exam
Checks for risk factors like family history or radiation exposure.
Ultrasound of the Neck
Detects nodules and helps guide biopsies.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Removes cells from a thyroid nodule for microscopic analysis.
Blood Tests
Measures thyroid function and tumor markers (like calcitonin in medullary thyroid cancer).
Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, PET scans)
Assess spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Treatments for Thyroid Cancer
Surgery
Lobectomy
Removes one lobe of the thyroid.
Total Thyroidectomy
Removes the entire thyroid gland.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)
Destroys remaining thyroid cells or microscopic cancer after surgery.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy
Prevents cancer recurrence and replaces natural thyroid hormones.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
Used for cancers that don’t respond to RAI or in advanced cases.
Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy
Reserved for aggressive or advanced thyroid cancers.
Immunotherapy
In select advanced cases, helps the immune system attack cancer cells.
Managing Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Hoarseness or voice changes after surgery
- Low calcium levels (if parathyroid glands are affected)
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth or taste changes after RAI
- Hormonal imbalance requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement
Tips to manage side effects:
- Take prescribed hormone replacement as directed
- Monitor calcium and vitamin D levels
- Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet
- Ask your doctor about supplements for bone health
- Join support groups for emotional and practical guidance
Living With & Beyond Cancer
Recovery involves:
- Regular Follow-Ups with blood tests and imaging to monitor recurrence
- Healthy Lifestyle with exercise, balanced diet, and stress management
- Emotional Support through counseling, peer groups, or faith-based communities
- Long-Term Medication (thyroid hormone replacement) to stay healthy
Children & Young People
Thyroid cancer can occur in children and young adults, often with a good prognosis.
Key considerations include:
- Provide care from pediatric oncology specialists
- Support emotional and educational needs during treatment
- Encourage open communication and age-appropriate information
- Regular long-term follow-up for recurrence monitoring
End-of-Life Care
Core aspects of care include:
- Managing pain and breathing difficulties
- Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families
- Nutrition and daily living assistance
- Compassionate hospice services when needed