Overview
Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland, a butterfly shaped gland at the base of the neck. This gland produces hormones which help to regulate blood pressure, heart rate, weight and body temperature.
Thyroid cancer is more common in females and often develops after age 30. Approximately 30,000 women and 12,000 men are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year in the U.S.
The Patricia Lynch Cancer Center at Holy Name has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and skilled ENT surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and support staff to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer. Together they provide a compassionate, unified approach in creating a personal strategy for each patient's unique medical, emotional and lifestyle needs.
Symptoms
- Increased blood pressure
- Lump in the neck
- Hoarseness
- Neck pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cough
Risk Factors
- Radiation exposure
- Genetic syndromes
- Iodine deficiency
- Female sex
Diagnosis
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- Needle biopsy
- Radionuclide scan, a painless imaging test
- CT scan
- PET scan
Treatment
Most cases of thyroid cancer are cured with treatment. The majority of cases are treated surgically by removing part or all of the thyroid gland, and sometimes the surrounding lymph glands. Radioactive iodine is sometimes used after surgery to treat residual microscopic disease to prevent recurrence. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are rarely necessary.
