Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a malignancy that starts in the cells of the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. The main types are differentiated (papillary and follicular), medullary and anaplastic cancer, and risk is higher between the ages of 25 and 65 and in women. Other risk factors include childhood radiation exposure to the head and neck, a history of goitre, a family history of thyroid disease and inherited conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia. Early disease may cause no symptoms, but a growing tumour can produce a neck lump, hoarseness, and trouble or pain with swallowing or breathing. Assessment relies on neck examination, thyroid blood tests, imaging and biopsy. Surgery is the most common treatment; radioactive iodine, thyroid hormone therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted drugs such as sorafenib are added depending on cancer type and spread. Thyroid cancer is often treatable, and well-differentiated tumours are usually curable.

See a doctor without delay for a new lump, a sore that does not heal, unexplained bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a persistent change in bowel or bladder habit. Take up screening invitations: most cancers are easier to treat when found early. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.