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Thyroid cancer

Abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland is known as thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland produces important hormones that the body needs to function. Thyroid cancer is seen most frequently in women, and in people older than 45, but usually occur between the ages of 25 and 65.

People who have been exposed to large amounts of radiation to the head and neck have a higher RISK for thyroid cancer. Other factors that may play a role are a diet deficient in iodine and benign thyroid disease.

Symptoms include:

• a lump at the base of the neck
• neck looks larger
• neck lump enlarging or painful
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing

Treatment for thyroid cancer includes:

• Surgery can be a total, subtotal, or partial removal of the thyroid.
• Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill the cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Hormonal drug therapy may be needed, on a long-term basis, after treatment for cancer of the thyroid

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service at 800-237-1225 or 319-356-3000 for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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