Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in your thyroid gland. These cells often form small tumors called nodules. But most thyroid nodules aren't cancer and don't cause harm.

There are several different types of thyroid cancer. The treatment for thyroid cancer is often successful with the right treatment plan.

Many people don't have any symptoms when they are diagnosed with thyroid cancer. This cancer is often found when an imaging test, like a CT scan, is done for another reason.

When thyroid cancer grows, it may cause these symptoms:

• You may get a lump or swelling in your neck. This is the most common symptom.
• You may have pain in your neck and sometimes in your ears.
• You may have trouble swallowing.
• You may have trouble breathing or have constant wheezing.
• Your voice may be hoarse.
• You may have a frequent cough that is not related to a cold.

To diagnose thyroid cancer, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. You may have tests, including:

• A blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
• A thyroid ultrasound.
• A thyroid scan.
• A thyroid uptake scan.

If tests show that cancer is possible, you may have:

• A fine needle biopsy. This removes a small sample of tissue to check for cancer cells.
• Molecular tests. These tests look at cells from your biopsy.
• Surgery. Sometimes the results of a biopsy or other tests aren't enough, and surgery is needed.

Treatment for thyroid cancer is based on the type and stage of the cancer and other things, like your overall health. Treatment may include:

Active surveillance.

Very low-risk thyroid cancer may not need treatment right away. With regular checkups and tests, your doctor can closely watch the cancer for any signs of growth (active surveillance).

Surgery.

You'll probably have surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland. The doctor may also remove some lymph nodes to check them for cancer.

Radioactive iodine.

You may get radioactive iodine to destroy any thyroid tissue that remains after surgery.

Thyroid hormone therapy.

After surgery, you’ll probably take a daily pill to replace hormones normally made by the thyroid gland. This can also help keep thyroid cancer from coming back.

Sometimes treatment includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Your doctor will talk with you about your options before making a treatment plan.

There are things you can do to help manage the effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Eat healthy food. If you don't feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss. Drink liquid meal replacements for extra calories and protein. Try to eat your main meal early in the day.
• Get some physical activity every day, but don't get too tired. Keep doing the things you enjoy as your energy allows.
• Take steps to manage your stress, such as learning relaxation techniques. To also help reduce stress, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and take time to do things you enjoy.
• Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor or a counselor.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.