Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just above the collarbone. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.

There are several types of cancer of the thyroid gland. You are at greater risk of developing thyroid cancer if you:

• are between ages 25 and 65
• are a woman
• are Asian
• have a family member who has had thyroid disease
• have had radiation treatments to your head or neck

Often, the first sign or symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or swelling in the neck.

Thyroid cancer is not common in the United States, and most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with treatment that includes surgery, radioactive iodine, hormone treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

In most cases, it is not clear what causes thyroid cancer.

In general, cancer occurs when cells develop errors (mutations) in their DNA. The errors make cells grow and divide out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation exposure to the head or neck can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer.

See your doctor for a lump in the neck, ongoing hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or swollen neck glands. Most thyroid cancers are very treatable, especially when found early.