Thyroid Cancer

Finding a lump in your neck or learning you have a thyroid nodule can be scary. The good news is that most thyroid nodules aren’t cancerous. Even when thyroid cancer is found, it’s often highly treatable, especially when it’s diagnosed early.

At Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic, we help patients throughout San Antonio evaluate thyroid nodules, diagnose thyroid cancer, and create personalized treatment plans. We’ll help you understand your diagnosis and guide you through every step of your care.

Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland grow out of control. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It makes hormones that help control many important body functions, including:

• Metabolism
• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Energy levels
• Growth and development

There are several types of thyroid cancer.

• Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type. It usually grows slowly and has an excellent outlook when treated.
• Follicular thyroid cancer is less common but is also often very treatable.
• Medullary thyroid cancer starts in specialized thyroid cells called C cells. Some cases are linked to inherited genetic conditions.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but grows more quickly than other types.

Many people don’t have symptoms in the early stages. In fact, thyroid cancer is often found during a routine exam or imaging test done for another reason.

As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• Hoarseness or changes in your voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• A feeling of pressure in the neck
• Difficulty breathing

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes thyroid cancer. It develops when changes happen inside thyroid cells. These changes cause the cells to grow and divide without stopping.

Some factors may increase your risk, including:

• Radiation exposure, especially during childhood
• A family history of thyroid cancer
• Certain inherited genetic conditions
• Being female
• A history of thyroid nodules

Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop thyroid cancer. Many people diagnosed with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors.

Many thyroid cancers are found after a thyroid nodule is discovered during a physical exam or imaging test.

Your provider may recommend:

Thyroid Ultrasound

An ultrasound is usually the first test used to evaluate a thyroid nodule. It shows the size, shape, and appearance of the nodule. The results help your provider decide on the next steps in your evaluation.

Blood Tests

Blood tests help check how well your thyroid is working. Many people with thyroid cancer have normal thyroid hormone levels.

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy

A thin needle removes a small sample of cells from the thyroid nodule. A pathologist examines the cells to see whether cancer is present. This is the most common way to diagnose thyroid cancer.

Additional Imaging

CT scans, MRI scans, or other imaging tests may be recommended to learn whether the cancer has spread or to help plan treatment.

Treatment depends on:

• The type of thyroid cancer
• The size of the tumor
• Whether it has spread outside the thyroid
• Your age and overall health

Your care team may include an endocrinologist, an endocrine surgeon, an ENT surgeon, and other specialists. They’ll work together to recommend the treatment that’s right for you.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Depending on your diagnosis, your surgeon may remove part of your thyroid. This is called a lobectomy. In some cases, your entire thyroid is removed. This is called a total thyroidectomy. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if there’s concern the cancer has spread.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Some thyroid cancers absorb iodine. After surgery, radioactive iodine therapy can destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement

If all or part of your thyroid is removed, you may need thyroid hormone medicine. This medication replaces the hormones your thyroid normally makes. It also helps keep your hormone levels healthy.

Other Treatments

Some people with advanced thyroid cancer may need additional treatment, including:

• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy

Active Surveillance

Some very small papillary thyroid cancers don’t need surgery right away. Instead, your provider may recommend active surveillance. This means closely watching the cancer with regular ultrasounds and exams to make sure it isn’t growing.

Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis.

Your follow-up care depends on:

• The type of thyroid cancer
• Your age and overall health
• Whether the cancer spread
• The treatment you received

Even after successful treatment, regular follow-up visits are important. Thyroid cancer can sometimes come back years later.

Your provider may recommend:

• Physical exams
• Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and other markers when appropriate
• Thyroid ultrasounds
• Adjusting your thyroid hormone medication if needed
• Additional imaging or other tests if needed

Schedule an evaluation if you notice:

• A new lump in your neck
• A lump that’s getting bigger
• Hoarseness that doesn’t go away
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained swelling in your neck

Thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer, especially when it’s found early. If you’ve noticed a lump in your neck or have been told you have a thyroid nodule, don’t wait to get answers.

The endocrinology team at Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic provides thyroid cancer evaluations and personalized care for patients throughout San Antonio. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

1. Is a thyroid nodule the same as thyroid cancer?

No. Most thyroid nodules are benign, which means they aren’t cancerous. But some nodules do contain cancer cells. Your provider may recommend an ultrasound to examine the nodule. If needed, they may also recommend a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to check for cancer.

2. Does every thyroid nodule need a biopsy?

Many thyroid nodules don’t need a biopsy. Your provider uses an ultrasound to look at the nodule’s size and appearance. Those results help determine whether a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed.

3. Can you live a normal life after thyroid cancer?

Yes. Most people return to their normal activities after treatment. If your thyroid is removed, you’ll likely take thyroid hormone medicine every day. Regular follow-up visits help make sure your hormone levels stay balanced and check for signs that the cancer has returned.

4. Can thyroid cancer be cured?

Many cases of thyroid cancer can be cured, especially when they’re found early and treated promptly. Your provider can explain your treatment options and what to expect based on your diagnosis.