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.
