Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer
Overview
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck, just below your voicebox (larynx). The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. This system makes hormones that help control the way your body functions.
Thyroid cancer isn’t common. Around 3,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. Thyroid cancer can happen at any age. It’s more common in women.
The thyroid gland is close to the parathyroid glands. They have similar names, but they do different things. Thyroid cancer and parathyroid cancer are treated in different ways.
Macmillan Cancer Support have separate information about parathyroid cancer.
Types of thyroid cancer
There are different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. These types of thyroid cancer together are called differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Papillary
Papillary is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It’s usually slow-growing.
Papillary thyroid cancer can affect anyone. It’s more common in younger people and women.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about papillary thyroid cancer.
Follicular
Follicular is a less common type of thyroid cancer. It’s mostly found in middle-aged people.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about follicular thyroid cancer.
Other types of thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer. It can sometimes run in families.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about medullary thyroid cancer.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a very rare type of thyroid cancer that’s fast-growing.
Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Thyroid lymphomas start in the lymph tissue of the thyroid. The lymph tissue is part of the body’s lymphatic system.
Most thyroid lymphomas are a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and are treated with treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes thyroid cancer?
For most people, doctors cannot say exactly what causes thyroid cancer. However, certain things are known to raise a person's chances of developing it.
Which risk factors apply to you depends on the type of thyroid cancer involved.
Macmillan Cancer Support has more information on the causes of:
- papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
- medullary thyroid cancer
- anaplastic thyroid cancer
Diagnosis
You'll usually start by seeing a general physician, who will examine you and refer you to a hospital for specialist advice if:
- they're unsure what's causing your symptoms
- they think your symptoms could be caused by cancer
If cancer is suspected, you should be seen at the hospital within 2 weeks.
Different types of thyroid cancer are diagnosed using different tests.
You may have blood tests to check your general health and thyroid hormone levels.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of your neck and thyroid gland.
During a biopsy, a doctor gently passes a small needle into the lump or swelling in your neck to take a sample of cells. This sample is then examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
You may also need further tests. Macmillan Cancer Support has more information on diagnosing thyroid cancer.
Staging and grading thyroid cancer
The stage of a cancer describes its size and whether it has spread from where it started. Staging helps doctors plan the best treatment for you.
Each type of thyroid cancer is staged differently.
Macmillan Cancer Support has more information on staging for:
- papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
- medullary thyroid cancer
- anaplastic thyroid cancer
Treatment
Treatment for thyroid cancer
The treatment you have depends on the:
- type of thyroid cancer
- the stage of the cancer
- your general health
After your test results, you and your doctor start to talk about your treatment options.
Your doctor usually meets with other specialists to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The MDT look at national treatment guidelines or the latest evidence for the type of cancer you have. If you have any treatment preferences, your doctor will tell them about this.
Thyroid surgery is usually the main treatment for most types of thyroid cancer. You often have other treatment after surgery.
Different types of thyroid cancer are treated differently.
Macmillan Cancer Support have information about treatment for:
- papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
- anaplastic thyroid cancer
- medullary thyroid cancer
After thyroid cancer treatment
Some people have treatment side effects that slowly improve over time, while others may have ongoing side effects. It can take time to recover after treatment for thyroid cancer.
You’ll have regular follow up appointments after your treatment has finished. How often you have these appointments will depend on the type of thyroid cancer you have, and the kinds of treatments.
If you have any problems or notice any symptoms between check-ups, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
You can also talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel you need some more support.
Complications
Wellbeing and recovery
Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive lifestyle changes after treatment.
Making small changes like eating well and keeping active can improve your health and wellbeing and help your body recover.
Getting support
You may have lots of different emotions after being diagnosed with cancer. You may get anxious between appointments. This is natural. It may help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation.
Macmillan Cancer Support also has further information to support you. You can:
- phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
- chat to Macmillan specialists online
- use the Macmillan thyroid cancer forum – you can talk to others affected by thyroid cancer, ask questions and share your experience
Other organisations who offer information and support include:
- The Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust
- The British Thyroid Foundation
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