Thyroid Cancer

A thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. It makes hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and body temperature.

Although, anyone can get cancer of the thyroid gland, certain factors may increase the risk. You may be at risk if
  • you have a family member who has had thyroid disease

  • you are between the ages of 25 and 65

  • you are a female

  • you are Asian

  • you are having radiation treatments to your head or neck
If you observe a lump or have swelling in your neck, you should consult your healthcare provider. Your doctor will order laboratory tests to see if you have cancer and to find out which type you have.

Treatment of thyroid cancer depends on the type and how far the cancer has spread. Treatment may include surgery, radioactive iodine or radioiodine therapy, hormone treatment, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.


Related Topics:
Benign Tumors (Noncancerous Tumors)
Cancers (Overview)
Gallbladder Cancer (Cancer of the Gallbladder)
Kidney Cancer (Cancer of the Kidney)
Pancreatic Cancer (Cancer of the Pancreas)
Thymus Cancer (Cancer of the Thymus Gland)

For More Information:
What is Cancer? (National Cancer Institute)
Cancer: Questions and Answers (National Cancer Institute)
What You Need to Know about Cancer: An Overview (National Cancer Institute)


Content References:
National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Terms
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