What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that regulates metabolism by producing hormones. Cancer develops when the cells undergo uncontrolled division and have the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

There are various forms of thyroid cancer. Papillary carcinoma is the most common and least malignant. An irregular mass of cells form from otherwise normal thyroid tissue. Follicular carcinoma is the second most common. In this form, metastasis often occurs through vascular invasion. Medullary carcinoma has the third-highest occurrence. Tumors arise from parafollicular cells, which produce the hormone calcitonin.

Anaplastic carcinoma is the least common and most malignant form. Cancer aggressively invades surrounding tissue and spreads to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Symptoms related to thyroid cancer may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enlargement of the thyroid

• Neck pain

• Hoarseness

• Enlarged lymph nodes

Which test(s) and/or procedure(s) may be requested to determine if I have thyroid cancer?

You doctor may order various tests to learn more about your condition and whether you have the disease. These include blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, thyroid medicine scan, biopsy, and fluid analysis from thyroid tissue.

How is this condition surgically treated?

Thyroidectomy is the surgical treatment method for thyroid cancer.