Thyroid Cancer
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a disease that starts when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the base of your neck. It makes hormones that control your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels.
Most thyroid cancers grow slowly and respond well to treatment when caught early. There are several types of thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common types. They usually have better outcomes than other forms. Medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers are less common but more serious.
Thyroid cancer rates have been rising over the past few decades. Many experts think this is because better imaging technology catches small cancers earlier. Understanding your thyroid function through regular blood testing can help you and your doctor spot problems before they become serious.
Symptoms
- A lump or swelling in your neck that you can feel
- Pain in your neck or throat that does not go away
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice that last more than a few weeks
- Persistent cough not related to a cold
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
Many people with early thyroid cancer have no symptoms at all. The cancer is often found during routine physical exams or imaging tests done for other reasons. This is why regular checkups and blood testing are so important for catching problems early.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is not fully understood. It happens when cells in your thyroid develop changes in their DNA. These changes cause cells to grow and multiply quickly. The abnormal cells form a tumor that can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of your body.
Several factors increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood, raises your risk. A family history of thyroid cancer or certain genetic syndromes also matters. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Other risk factors include being between ages 25 and 65, having certain thyroid conditions like goiter, and low iodine intake in your diet.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors use several methods to diagnose thyroid cancer. A physical exam checks for lumps in your neck and swollen lymph nodes. Blood tests measure thyroid hormone levels and tumor markers. Your doctor may check TSH, T3, T4, thyroglobulin, and thyroid antibodies to understand how your thyroid is functioning. Imaging tests like ultrasound help visualize nodules or masses. A fine needle biopsy removes cells from suspicious nodules for lab analysis.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes key thyroid markers like TSH, T3, T4, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. While these tests alone cannot diagnose cancer, they help monitor thyroid function and can alert you to problems that need further investigation. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment.
Treatment options
- Surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland is the most common treatment
- Radioactive iodine therapy kills remaining thyroid cells after surgery
- Thyroid hormone therapy replaces hormones your body needs and suppresses TSH to prevent cancer growth
- External radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high energy beams
- Targeted drug therapy attacks specific abnormalities in cancer cells like BRAF mutations
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health during treatment
- Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling helps your body heal
- Regular follow up blood tests monitor thyroid hormone levels and tumor markers
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol support better treatment outcomes
Concerned about Thyroid Cancer? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The first sign is usually a lump or nodule in your neck that you can feel. You may notice swelling or pain in your neck or throat. Some people experience voice changes or hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks. Many people have no early symptoms and discover thyroid cancer during routine checkups.
Blood tests cannot directly diagnose thyroid cancer, but they provide important clues. Tests for TSH, T3, T4, thyroglobulin, and thyroid antibodies show how your thyroid is functioning. Abnormal results may signal problems that need further investigation with imaging or biopsy. Blood tests are also essential for monitoring after treatment.
Most thyroid cancers are highly curable, especially when caught early. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers have cure rates above 95 percent. The five year survival rate for all thyroid cancers combined is about 98 percent. Early detection and proper treatment give you the best chance for a full recovery.
If you have risk factors for thyroid problems, annual testing is a good idea. This includes family history of thyroid disease, previous radiation exposure, or unexplained symptoms. People with thyroid cancer need more frequent testing every few months after treatment. Your doctor will recommend a testing schedule based on your personal risk factors.
Thyroglobulin is a protein made by thyroid cells. After thyroid cancer surgery, your thyroglobulin levels should be very low or undetectable. Rising levels may mean cancer has returned. Thyroglobulin antibodies can interfere with this test, so doctors check for them too.
You cannot prevent most cases of thyroid cancer. You can reduce your risk by avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure, especially for children. Eating a diet with adequate iodine supports thyroid health. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or genetic syndromes, talk to your doctor about screening and prevention strategies.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports healing. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy weight and energy levels. Managing stress through mindfulness or therapy improves quality of life. Taking your thyroid hormone medication exactly as prescribed is critical for long term health.
High TSH levels do not directly indicate cancer. TSH elevation usually means your thyroid is underactive. However, research shows that higher TSH levels may be associated with a slightly increased risk of thyroid nodules being cancerous. Your doctor will interpret TSH results along with other tests and symptoms.
Surgery is the primary treatment for most thyroid cancers. Your surgeon may remove part of your thyroid or the entire gland depending on cancer type and stage. Very small, low risk cancers may be watched carefully without immediate surgery. Your medical team will recommend the best approach for your specific situation.
The BRAF mutation is a genetic change found in many papillary thyroid cancers. Testing for this mutation helps predict how aggressive the cancer may be. Knowing your BRAF status helps your doctor choose the best treatment plan. Targeted drugs can specifically attack cancer cells with BRAF mutations.