Understanding Thyroid Cancer: Signs, Diagnosis, and Care

Thyroid cancer symptoms can be easy to overlook. A small lump in the neck, voice changes, or discomfort when swallowing may not seem urgent at first, especially since these warning signs are often linked to autoimmune disease.

With several types of thyroid cancer and multiple treatment options available, understanding symptoms can help support an early diagnosis and care.

What is the thyroid? 

The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck that releases hormones to help regulate how your body uses energy. These hormones influence processes such as metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature, helping to keep many systems functioning as they should. 

Thyroid cancer develops when the thyroid cells grow out of control, forming a growth and may affect how the thyroid works overtime. Understanding the role of the thyroid can help explain why changes in this gland can have a wider impact on your health than you once thought.

What are thyroid cancer symptoms? 

Thyroid cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and many appear gradually. Some people notice a visible change in their neck, while others experience symptoms related to the throat or voice.

Common symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in the front of side of the neck
• Hoarseness or changes in the voice
• Difficulty swallowing 
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the throat
• Persistent neck pain that may travel up to the ears

In more advanced cases, signs that thyroid cancer has spread may include enlarged lymph nodes, an ongoing cough, or difficulty breathing. 

Thyroid cancer often doesn’t present any symptoms, aside from a lump in the neck. While many of these additional symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer, they should be evaluated. 

What are the different types of thyroid cancer? 

There are several types of thyroid cancer, each with its own growth pattern and treatment approach:

• Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, making up about 70 to 80% of all thyroid cancer cases. While it can occur at any age, it grows slowly and is one of the easier types to treat. 
• Follicular thyroid cancer is less common and spreads through the blood to organs like the lungs, but it often responds well to treatment when caught early.
• Medullary thyroid cancer develops from specialized thyroid cells and may run in families or be linked to other endocrine tumors.  
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive and rare form of thyroid cancer, found in less than 2% of patients. Prompt detection and specialized care are required, as this type is the least likely to respond to treatment. 

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed? 

If a thyroid nodule is found, an ultrasound is usually the next step. This test helps providers look more closely at the size and shape of the nodule. In many cases, these nodules are identified accidentally during routine exams or tests.

Most nodules are non-cancerous, but if the nodule appears concerning, a fine-needle biopsy may be done to further examine the thyroid cells. Once the nodule is biopsied and likely removed, your provider can confirm your diagnosis and type, which will help guide follow-up care and treatment. Further exams and blood tests may be ordered to check on your thyroid function and determine the best route toward recovery. 

What are the thyroid cancer treatment options? 

Thyroid cancer treatment is based on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. While some people may require only one type of treatment, many others require a combination to achieve the best possible outcomes. 

Surgery 

Surgery, a thyroidectomy, is the most common type of thyroid cancer treatment. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the thyroid gland, depending on each patient's diagnosis. After surgery, many people take thyroid hormone medication to replace the hormones the body can’t make naturally and help lower the risk of the cancer returning.

Radioactive iodine therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy may be used to destroy the remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells post-surgery. Radioactive iodine therapy is typically only used for specific types of thyroid cancer that respond to iodine and rarely has any effect on other tissues and areas of the body. 

Thyroid hormone therapy 

Thyroid hormone therapy typically follows a thyroidectomy procedure and replaces the hormones your thyroid once produced. While hormone replacement medication will become part of your routine for the rest of your life, it plays a key role in keeping thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels low, which can help reduce the chance of cancer returning.

For thyroid cancer that is more aggressive or has spread, like in cases of medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer, additional treatments may be recommended by your provider, including:

• External radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapies
• Other specialized treatments based on the cancer type

With appropriate thyroid cancer treatment and follow-up care, many people go on to live healthy, active lives. 

Is thyroid cancer connected to autoimmune disease? 

While research is underway to better understand the connection between autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’, there is currently no direct connection to thyroid cancer. In fact, these autoimmune diseases are more common than thyroid cancer. 

However, they do have a few symptoms in common, including: 

• Fatigue 
• Hormone changes
• Neck fullness

These overlapping symptoms can sometimes delay evaluation when new changes are assumed to be part of an existing condition. If you have an autoimmune diagnosis and notice any new or worsening symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider right away to promote early detection.  

Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or supporting a loved one with a thyroid cancer diagnosis, staying informed can help you move forward with more confidence.