This page explains the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer, how ultrasounds and biopsies are used to diagnose it, and the treatment options that help most people recover successfully.
Hearing the words “thyroid cancer” can feel frightening.
But there is something very important to know right away:
➡ Most thyroid cancers are highly treatable and often curable.
This page explains thyroid cancer in a simple, realistic, non-alarming way.
Thyroid cancer happens when abnormal cells in the thyroid grow in an uncontrolled way.
It usually starts as:
A thyroid nodule
A lump in the thyroid
An area seen on ultrasound
Most thyroid nodules are not cancer, but a small percentage are.
Thyroid cancer is:
Relatively uncommon compared to other cancers
One of the most treatable types of cancer
Often slow growing
Many people with thyroid cancer live normal, healthy lives after treatment.
There are several types. The most common are:
The most common type (about 80%)
Usually slow growing
Very high cure rate
Second most common
Also usually very treatable
Less common
Sometimes related to genetics
Very rare
More aggressive
Mostly seen in older adults
The first two types (papillary and follicular) make up the large majority and have excellent outcomes.
Many people with thyroid cancer have no symptoms at all.
Possible signs can include:
A painless lump in the neck
Swelling in the thyroid area
Hoarseness
Trouble swallowing
Enlarged lymph nodes
Often it is found incidentally on an ultrasound.
Diagnosis usually follows these steps:
If a nodule looks concerning, a biopsy is done.
➡ Biopsy is the main way thyroid cancer is diagnosed.
Sometimes doctors also use:
Genetic testing on biopsy samples
CT or MRI scans
Blood tests
Treatment depends on:
Type of cancer
Size
Whether it has spread
Age and overall health
Usually this involves:
Removing part of the thyroid
Or removing the entire thyroid
This is called a thyroidectomy.
After surgery, some people need:
Radioactive iodine treatment
To destroy any remaining thyroid cells
After treatment, most people take:
➡ Thyroid hormone pills
to replace what the thyroid used to make.
Long-term care often includes:
Blood tests
Occasional ultrasounds
Monitoring by an endocrinologist
For the most common types:
➡ The outlook is extremely good.
Five-year survival rates for papillary thyroid cancer are over 98–99%.
Many people are completely cured.
Unlike many other cancers:
Thyroid cancer is often slow growing
It is usually found early
Treatments are very effective
People often live long, normal lives
If thyroid cancer is suspected or confirmed, the usual steps are:
Meet with a thyroid specialist
Plan surgery if needed
Discuss further treatment
Create a long-term follow-up plan
You are never expected to navigate this alone.
Most thyroid nodules are not cancer
Most thyroid cancers are very treatable
Diagnosis usually starts with biopsy
Surgery is the main treatment
Long-term outcomes are usually excellent
The next page will explain: