If you have a thyroid nodule, there is a small chance it may be thyroid cancer. To tell if the nodule is cancerous, your doctor will have to do certain tests. If the cancer is big enough, it may cause swelling you can see in the neck. It may also cause pain or problems swallowing. Some people get a hoarse voice.
Thyroid cancer is rare compared with other types of cancer.
Thyroid Cancer is More Common in People Who:
- Have a history of exposure of the thyroid to radiation (but not routine X-ray exposure, as in dental X-rays or mammograms)
- Have a family history of thyroid cancer
- Are older than 40 years of age
Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
- Surgery - The main treatment for thyroid cancer is to remove the entire thyroid gland, or as much of it as can be safely removed. Often, surgery alone will cure the thyroid cancer, especially if the cancer is small.
- Radioiodine - A large dose of radioiodine will destroy thyroid cancer cells with little or no damage to other parts of the body.