Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland, part of your endocrine system. Thyroid cancer is highly treatable when caught early.

Request an Appointment

For all requests:

1-319-356-4200

The thyroid is a gland in your neck. It’s in front of your windpipe, lower than your Adams apple but higher than your collarbone. Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid begin to grow and multiply, forming a tumor.

Specialized, multidisciplinary care for thyroid cancer

At UI Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, our thyroid cancer care team includes surgeons, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, pharmacists, genetic counselors, nurses, and others. They understand thyroid cancer and stay up to date on the newest treatment options.

Your thyroid cancer care team will work together to design a treatment plan that is personalized for you, and your cancer.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are many different types of thyroid cancer, and most are curable with treatment.

Different types of thyroid cancer include:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer. This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It occurs more frequently in women. The diagnosis is often made on FNA before surgery. Spread to the lymph nodes is frequent. It usually takes up radioactive iodine, which is used for diagnosis and treatment after thyroidectomy.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer. This type is less common. It is typically identified as a follicular neoplasm on FNA, therefore requiring thyroidectomy for diagnostic purposes. Invasion of the capsule or vascular space is its hallmark on pathologic exam. It usually takes up radioactive iodine, which is used for diagnosis and treatment after thyroidectomy.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer. This type originates from C-cells, which migrate into the thyroid during embryo development. It produces a tumor marker, calcitonin, which can be detected on FNA with a special stain, or with a blood test. Thirty percent of medullary thyroid cancer is inherited. Medullary thyroid cancer will often spread to the lymph nodes. It does not take up radioactive iodine.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. This is a deadly type of cancer that is most often diagnosed in older individuals. It is fortunately rare. The treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The cancer does not take up radioactive iodine as the cells have become dedifferentiated – they no longer act or look like thyroid cells.

Risk factors for thyroid cancer

The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors might put you at higher risk for developing thyroid cancer.

A diet too low in iodine or too high in iodine can put you at risk for thyroid cancer. Most Americans get an appropriate amount of iodine in their diet from the iodine added to table salt and from a few other foods.

Other risk factors for thyroid cancer include:

Other types of thyroid disease, such as Cowden disease

Having an immediate family member (parent, brother, sister, or child) who has had thyroid cancer

Radiation treatments for head and neck cancers

If any of the risk factors apply to you, that doesn’t mean you’ll get thyroid cancer. It just means you have a higher risk of getting it than an average person.

Signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer

When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it. But if it becomes enlarged, you may be able to feel it as a lump or swelling in your neck. This could be a sign of thyroid cancer.

Some of the more common symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

Pain that you feel in the front of your neck and even all the way up to near your ears

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

A cough or a hoarse voice that won’t get better

However, these can also be signs of many less serious conditions. Speak to your provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Treatments for thyroid cancer

Treatment for thyroid cancer will depend on the type of thyroid cancer you have.

Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Sometimes the entire thyroid is removed. Sometimes part of the thyroid can be saved. If the cancer hasn’t spread, most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with surgery alone.

Radioiodine therapy is often used as a treatment after surgery has been performed. The thyroid absorbs nearly all the iodine circulating in the body. Radioiodine therapy works by targeting and destroying the cancerous cells in the thyroid and surrounding areas.

The thyroid produces a hormone that your body requires. If your thyroid is removed, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone pills after treatment.