What it is
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid, sometimes followed by radioactive iodine treatment.
After the thyroid is removed, people take thyroid hormone tablets for life and have regular blood tests and scans.
Common signs
- A painless lump or swelling in the neck
- Swollen glands in the neck
- A hoarse voice that does not get better
- Difficulty swallowing
- A sore throat that does not go away
How it is usually diagnosed
- Ultrasound of the neck
- A fine needle biopsy
- Blood tests
- Sometimes CT or MRI scans
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Ultrasound and biopsy reports
- Pathology reports
- Thyroid function and thyroglobulin results
- Endocrinology and surgery letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of thyroid cancer is it?
- Will I need radioactive iodine?
- How will my thyroid hormone levels be managed?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Difficulty breathing, or a neck swelling that is growing quickly: get urgent help, call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.