Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck. The good news is that most thyroid cancers are found early and are very treatable.

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, we are here to support you from the moment a thyroid problem is found through diagnosis, treatment and long-term care. Our team uses advanced imaging, precise testing and some of the latest treatment options. Whether you’re checking a thyroid nodule, starting treatment or seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer begins in your thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck, just below your voice box (larynx). Your thyroid helps your body function. It manages your energy, metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and even how your brain works.

Cancer develops when cells in the thyroid start to grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. Over time, these cells can form a lump called a nodule. Many thyroid nodules are not cancer but some can be. If a nodule is cancerous, it might grow or spread to nearby lymph nodes or, in rare cases, to other parts of the body.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are different kinds of thyroid cancer. Some grow slowly and are easy to treat. Others are more aggressive and need specialized care. 

The most common types include:

• Papillary thyroid cancer: The most common and often the most treatable form. It usually grows slowly and responds well to treatment.
• Follicular thyroid cancer: Another slow-growing type that generally has a good outlook.
• Medullary thyroid cancer: A less common type that can run in families.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A rare but fast-growing form that requires urgent, specialized care.

Because thyroid cancer is often found early and treatments continue to improve, most people have excellent long-term outcomes. 

Learn more about these types of thyroid cancer. 

What causes thyroid cancer?

There is rarely one single cause of thyroid cancer. It often happens due to a mix of genetic, environmental and personal factors. Here are a few things that may increase your risk:

• Radiation exposure during childhood
• A family history of thyroid cancer
• Certain genetic conditions
• Being female
• Being older (risk increases with age)

Having risk factors does not mean you will get cancer. Many people who get thyroid cancer do not have any known risk factors.

Learn how to lower your risk of thyroid cancer and when to think about genetic testing. 

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer doesn’t always show symptoms at first. Many people first learn they have it after a regular checkup or imaging tests for another problem. 

When symptoms do appear, they might include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Trouble swallowing
• Pain in the neck or throat
• A chronic cough not caused by a cold
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. See your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.

Learn more about symptoms to watch for and when to seek medical attention.

How thyroid cancer is diagnosed

Since thyroid cancer has symptoms similar to other health problems, testing is very important. 

Your provider will do the following.

• A physical exam to look for lumps and swollen lymph nodes
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI
• Blood tests, including tests to check thyroid function
• Fine needle aspiration/biopsy, usually done with ultrasound guidance, involve taking a small tissue sample to see if cancer is present
• Molecular testing helps find out what kind of cancer you have and guides your treatment

These help your care team understand your illness clearly and suggest the best treatment. 

Learn more about testing and diagnosis.

Treatment and care for thyroid cancer

Your treatment plan is made just for you based on the kind of thyroid cancer you have, how far it has spread and your overall health. 

Treatment options might include:

• Thyroid surgery: Your surgeon might remove part of your thyroid gland (a lobectomy) or the entire gland (a total thyroidectomy). Surgery could also include nearby lymph nodes if they have cancer cells. 
• Radioactive iodine therapy: This type of treatment is used for some types of thyroid cancer that absorb iodine. After surgery, radioactive iodine can destroy any remaining cancer cells without harming most other parts of your body.
• Thyroid hormone therapy: If your thyroid is removed, you will need to take hormone medication. This medicine replaces the hormones your body needs and can also help stop cancer from coming back.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: Newer treatments can target specific genes or help your immune system attack cancer cells. 
• Active surveillance: If you have small, slow-growing cancers, you might not need treatment right away. Instead, your care team may watch your thyroid closely with regular exams and imaging to see how it’s doing. 

Learn more about treatment options and how Banner MD Anderson tailors treatment to your needs.

Living with and beyond thyroid cancer

Even after your treatment ends, taking care of your thyroid still matters. You may need follow-up visits, lab tests and scans to make sure the cancer doesn't come back and that your hormone levels stay normal. 

Since thyroid cancer treatment can change your energy, metabolism and mood, you might also benefit from:

• Nutrition support
• Mental health services
• Physical activities guidance
• Help managing long-term medications
• Support groups and survivorship programs 

At Banner MD Anderson, we care for your whole health, not just your cancer. 

Why choose Banner MD Anderson for thyroid cancer care?

Picking where to get your care is one of the most important decisions you can make. 

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can access:

• A coordinated team: Your multidisciplinary team of health care experts works together to make a personalized treatment plan. This group includes top surgeons, doctors, radiation specialists, endocrinologists, nurses and support staff.
• Advanced testing and diagnosis: We use high-resolution imaging, ultrasound-guided biopsies and molecular testing.
• Comprehensive treatment options: We offer some of the latest, most effective and least invasive treatment options.
• Support your overall health: You get help with side effects from treatment, hormone changes, nutrition needs and emotional health. Our team includes social workers, psychologists, nurse navigators and survivorship experts.
• Care close to home: With locations all over the Southwest, you can stay near your family and support systems while receiving quality cancer care. 

Our goal is simple: To help you understand your diagnosis, feel good about your choices and get the best care for thyroid cancer. 

When you’re ready, our team is here to help you move forward.  

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