Thyroid cancer

Cancer of the thyroid gland is rare but increasing in incidence. Most lumps (nodules) in the thyroid turn out to be benign (not cancer). The most common thyroid cancers are ‘differentiated’. The majority of differentiated thyroid cancers can be treated very successfully with surgery, radioactive iodine or a combination of both.

Content overview

Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC)

Other thyroid cancers

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Follow-up and outlook

Further information

Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC)

·         Papillary

·         Follicular

·         Sub-types of papillary and follicular carcinomas include Hurthle cell, tall cell, insular, and columnar

Other thyroid cancers

·         Medullary, which can run in families

·         Anaplastic, which usually affects older people

·         Lymphoma of the thyroid, which also usually affects older people

Symptoms include:

·         Swelling or lump (nodule) in the thyroid or lower neck area

·         Hoarse voice

·         Difficulty in swallowing and awareness of pressure when swallowing

·         Difficulty in breathing especially when sleeping

·         Changes to a previously known nodule

If you notice a lump or swelling, even if it has been there a long time, you should see your doctor and ask for it to be investigated.

Diagnosis

·         Physical examination

·         Ultrasound scan

·         Fine needle biopsy (FNAC) to remove cells for examination

Treatment

·         Surgery - to remove part or all of the thyroid gland

·         Radioactive iodine (in some cases) - to ensure that all thyroid and thyroid cancer cells are destroyed

·         Levothyroxine - to replace missing thyroid hormone and suppress the rate of growth of any remaining thyroid cells

Note - after radioactive iodine women should avoid conceiving for six months and men should avoid fathering children for four months.

Follow-up and outlook

·         Regular long-term check-ups

·         Differentiated thyroid cancer has a high cure rate, and the vast majority of patients go on to live a full and normal life

Further information

Watch our webinar

Read our guide to thyroid cancer

Read our thyroid cancer booklet

Key facts about thyroid cancer

Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer

Low iodine diet for treatment for thyroid cancer

Targeted treatments for advanced thyroid cancer FAQs

Thyroid cancer travel insurance information 

Additional thyroid cancer resources

Find information about treatments for thyroid cancer

Living with a thyroid condition

Useful resources (films, patient stories, articles, events etc)

Find peer support

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