Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck that is part of the endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate and metabolism.

Close to 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. Many times nodules develop on the thyroid, but are not cancerous. Only a small number of thyroid nodules are diagnosed as cancerous.

There are several types of thyroid cancer, with papillary and follicular being the most common. There are two main types of thyroid cancer:

• Differentiated thyroid cancer, which includes well-differentiated tumors, poorly differentiated tumors, and undifferentiated tumors. Well-differentiated tumors, such as papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer, can be treated and can usually be cured. Poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors are less common and have a poorer chance of recovery. 
• Medullary thyroid cancer is a neuroendocrine tumor that develops in C cells of the thyroid. The C cells make calcitonin which helps maintain a healthy level of calcium in the blood.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

Thyroid cancer can cause any of the following signs or symptoms:

• A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
• Swelling in the neck
• Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
• Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• A constant cough that is not due to a cold

Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for developing thyroid cancer. Some risk factors can be changed, while others cannot.

For thyroid cancer, risk factors include:

• Sex assigned at birth — about three times more common in females
• Radiation exposure
  
• Being overweight or obese
• Iodine in the diet
• Having a first degree relative with thyroid cancer
• Certain inherited medical conditions

Thyroid Cancer Treatment 

Most thyroid cancers can be cured, especially if they have not spread to other parts of the body. If it cannot be cured, as much of the cancer than can be removed or destroyed will be attempted.

Common treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Thyroid hormone therapy
• External beam radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy drugs

Often, more than one type of treatment is necessary to treat thyroid cancer. In addition, some treatments may affect your ability to have children in the future, so be sure to discuss all treatment options with your provider before starting a treatment.