What Is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells grow
in the tissues of the thyroid gland. It is the most common form of
endocrine cancers.
Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest increasing cancers in both men
and women. At Stanford, the experts that treat both cancerous and
non-cancerous forms of thyroid disease are part of the team at the Head
and Neck Cancer Program.
What are Thyroid Tumors?
The thyroid gland is at the base of the throat. It has two lobes,
one on the right side and one on the left. The thyroid gland makes
important hormones that help the body function normally.
There are two types of thyroid tumors:
- Benign (noncancerous), such as adenomas
- Malignant
(cancerous), which are rarer. They are more common in women than in
men.
Thyroid Adenomas
Thyroid adenomas grow from the cell layer that lines the inner
surface of the thyroid gland. The adenoma itself secretes thyroid
hormone. If the adenoma secretes enough thyroid hormone, it may cause
hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). We often treat thyroid
adenomas that are causing hyperthyroidism.
Treatment may include surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the
overactive nodule). Learn more about thyroid
cancer treatments.
Cancerous Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid cancer occurs more often in people who have undergone
radiation to the head, neck or chest. However, we can cure most
thyroid cancer with appropriate treatment. Thyroid cancer usually
appears as small growths (nodules) within the thyroid gland. Some
signs that a nodule may be cancerous include:
- Presence of a single nodule rather than multiple nodules
- Thyroid scan reveals the nodule is not functioning
- Nodule is solid instead of filled with fluid (cyst)
- Nodule is hard
- Nodule grows fast
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include a persistent cough or neck
pain. Learn about the thyroid
cancer symptoms.
Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include exposure to radiation. Learn
more about thyroid
cancer risk factors.
Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
We may use a thyroid scan and a biopsy to diagnose thyroid cancer.
Learn more about thyroid
cancer diagnosis, including genetic testing.
Thyroid Cancer Staging
Staging is when we determine the extent of the cancer and if it has
spread. Learn more about thyroid
cancer stages.
Thyroid Cancer Treatments
Treatment options for thyroid cancer include chemotherapy, hormone
therapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Learn more about thyroid
cancer treatments.
