Thyroid Cancer

What is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid gland, also known as the thyroid, is located just below the Adam’s apple and releases hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid multiply uncontrollably. According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer has one of the fastest-growing incidences of all cancers in the United States.

The different types of thyroid cancer originate from different cell types within the thyroid gland: papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic, and thyroid lymphoma. Papillary and follicular cancers are more common, while anaplastic carcinoma and thyroid lymphoma are rare.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer develops as a result of genetic changes within thyroid cells. These changes cause uncontrolled growth and division. Although certain factors increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer, the exact cause often remains unclear. Risk factors may include:

• Aging
• Being female
• Family history of thyroid cancer
• Personal history of thyroid cancer
• Certain genetic mutations
• Diet low in iodine
• Exposure to carcinogens
• Exposure to radiation

How Is Thyroid Cancer Detected?

Our specialists collect information regarding your medical, surgical, social, and family history; conduct laboratory testing; and review radiological studies to ensure comprehensive and personalized care. If thyroid cancer is suspected, your doctor may order one or more imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• CT scan: Uses X-rays to create a detailed three-dimensional image of the body.
• PET scan: Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to locate cancer cells based on metabolic activity.
• PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT imaging for more precise detection.
• Radioiodine scan: Uses a radioactive iodine tracer to identify abnormalities in the thyroid gland.
• MRI scan: Uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the body’s structures.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize the thyroid and surrounding tissues.
• Chest X-ray: Helps detect potential spread to the lungs or chest area.

If imaging shows a suspicious mass, your doctor will likely order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

The following may be indicative of thyroid cancer but may also be associated with other illnesses:

• A lump or swelling in the neck below the Adam’s apple
• Pain in the throat or front of the neck
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent cough not caused by a cold

It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms so he or she can determine their cause and plan treatment if necessary.

Stages of Thyroid Cancer

Staging helps determine how far cancer has spread and guides treatment decisions. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), the stages for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers (the most common types) in patients aged 45 and older are as follows:

Stage I

Cancer is contained within the thyroid and is no larger than 2 cm in diameter.

Stage II

Cancer is contained within the thyroid and measures between 2 cm and 4 cm in diameter.

Stage III

Cancer is either larger than 4 cm and still confined to the thyroid, or any size but has spread slightly beyond the thyroid into nearby tissues, with or without involvement of nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, bones, or other organs.

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease and may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy. These treatments may be used alone or in combination, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

When deciding on a treatment plan, important factors to consider include:

• Your age, overall health, and lifestyle
• The stage of your cancer
• Any other medical conditions
• Your preferences and feelings about treatment timing
• Your doctor’s professional recommendation
• The likelihood of successful treatment
• Possible side effects of each treatment option

You may feel pressure to make a quick decision, but it is important to ask questions and understand all your options. Open communication with your doctor ensures that you can make an informed choice that balances benefits and potential side effects.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. At The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our care teams around you. Our expert oncologists guide you through every step, answer your questions, and provide compassionate support throughout your treatment journey. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.