Thyroid Cancer
What is Thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in your thyroid gland grow abnormally and form a tumor. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that makes hormones to control your metabolism. These hormones affect everything from your heart rate to your body temperature.
There are several types of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, making up about 80% of cases. Follicular and medullary thyroid cancer are less common. Most thyroid cancers grow slowly and respond well to treatment when caught early.
Many people with thyroid cancer have no symptoms at first. The cancer is often discovered during routine exams or imaging tests for other health issues. Monitoring thyroid hormone levels and specific biomarkers can help detect changes early and track treatment progress.
Symptoms
- A lump or nodule in your neck that you can feel
- Swelling in the neck area
- Pain in your neck or throat that does not go away
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness or voice changes that persist
- Persistent cough not related to a cold
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Many people with early-stage thyroid cancer have no symptoms at all. The disease is often found during a physical exam or imaging test for another reason. This makes regular screening and blood testing important for early detection.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is not fully understood. However, certain genetic mutations play a role in how cancer develops. BRAF mutations appear in about 45% of papillary thyroid cancers and are linked to more aggressive tumor behavior. These mutations cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably.
Risk factors include exposure to radiation, especially during childhood. A family history of thyroid cancer or certain genetic conditions increases your risk. Both iodine deficiency and excess have been linked to certain thyroid cancer types. Women develop thyroid cancer more often than men. Most cases occur between ages 25 and 65, though it can happen at any age.
How it's diagnosed
Thyroid cancer is diagnosed through physical exams, imaging tests, and lab work. Your doctor will check for lumps in your neck and may order an ultrasound to see the thyroid gland. A fine-needle biopsy removes cells from suspicious nodules to test for cancer. Blood tests measure thyroid function and specific biomarkers.
Rite Aid offers blood testing to monitor key thyroid cancer biomarkers. Free T4 testing shows how well your thyroid is working, as cancer can disrupt normal hormone production. Thyroglobulin testing helps track cancer after treatment. BRAF mutation analysis identifies genetic changes in about 45% of papillary thyroid cancers. Iodine levels matter because both deficiency and excess relate to certain cancer types. Getting tested regularly helps catch changes early.
Treatment options
- Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
- Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy remaining cancer cells
- Thyroid hormone replacement medication like levothyroxine
- External radiation therapy for advanced cases
- Targeted drug therapy for cancers with specific mutations
- Regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging
- Maintaining healthy iodine levels through diet
- Working with an endocrinologist for ongoing care
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 often a lump or swelling in your neck that you or your doctor can feel. You might notice hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or neck pain. However, many people have no early symptoms at all. Regular checkups help catch changes early.
Blood tests cannot diagnose thyroid cancer by themselves, but they provide important information. Free T4 testing shows thyroid function changes. Thyroglobulin levels help monitor cancer after treatment. BRAF mutation analysis identifies genetic changes in cancer cells. These tests work together with imaging and biopsies.
BRAF is a gene mutation found in about 45% of papillary thyroid cancers. This mutation makes cancer cells grow more aggressively and can resist standard treatments. Testing for BRAF helps doctors choose the best treatment plan. Targeted therapies work specifically on cancers with this mutation.
Most thyroid cancers have excellent cure rates, especially when found early. The 5-year survival rate for localized thyroid cancer exceeds 99%. Treatment usually involves surgery and may include radioactive iodine therapy. Regular monitoring after treatment is important to catch any recurrence.
Your thyroid uses iodine to make hormones. Both too little and too much iodine have been linked to certain thyroid cancer types. Getting the right amount through diet matters for thyroid health. Testing your iodine levels helps ensure you are in a healthy range.
Thyroglobulin is a protein made only by thyroid cells. After thyroid removal surgery, thyroglobulin levels should be very low or undetectable. Rising levels may signal that cancer has returned. Regular thyroglobulin testing is a key part of monitoring after treatment.
Most people need thyroid hormone replacement medication after treatment. If your thyroid is removed or damaged, you will need levothyroxine for life. This medication replaces the hormones your thyroid normally makes. Regular blood tests ensure you are taking the right dose.
Testing frequency depends on your cancer type and treatment. Most people need blood tests every few months during the first year. After that, testing may happen every 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will create a monitoring schedule based on your specific situation.
Some risk factors like genetics cannot be changed, but lifestyle matters too. Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, especially for children. Maintain healthy iodine levels through diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall health. Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Thyroid cancer can disrupt normal hormone production, causing free T4 to be high or low. Low levels might mean your thyroid is not working well due to cancer or treatment. High levels could signal other thyroid problems. Your doctor will interpret results alongside other tests and symptoms to guide treatment.