MAIN Health Diseases Cancer Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is located in the neck just below the the Adam's apple, and is chiefly responsible for secreting hormones that control the body's metabolism.

Sometimes benign nodules develop within the thyroid that disrupt the body's metabolic rate resulting in thyroid conditions that are non-life threatening.

In rare cases these nodules may become cancerous but, if caught early enough, are easily and successfully removed with surgery.

Typically, early symptoms (such as hoarseness or neck pain) appear in both benign and cancerous thyroid conditions so it is important to to be tested immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Testing procedures may include an ultrasound imaging test, or a simple blood analysis called the thyroid-stimulating hormone test (TSH) to see if your thyroid is functioning properly. These may be followed by a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) to detect if there are cancerous cells present.

Following surgery, treatment options may include radioactive iodine or, more rarely, external radiation beam therapy to ensure against recurrence of the disease.

For more information on thyroid cancer, check out top sites offering more on testing and diagnosis, risk factors, instructions on self-exams, treatment options and patient support ...

Thyroid cancer : diagnosis, treatment and prognosis - Good overview of typical thyroid cancer treatments, extensive information on specific types of thyroid cancer, and a guide to thyroid nodules, ultrasound & needle biopsy.

What You Need to Know About Thyroid Cancer - Comprehensive online booklet explaining causes, statistics and risk factors, signs & symptoms, treatment options, after-care, patient support resources.

What is Thyroid Cancer? - Illustrated guide from the American Cancer Society with information on symptoms, diagnosis and staging, with details on treatment including surgery, radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone therapy, chemotherapy & alternative therapies, questions to ask your doctor, related links & resources.

Thyroid cancer : treatment - Clear, concise information from the Mayo Clinic on treatment options for various thyroid cancer types with details on radioactive iodine and external beam (x-ray) radiation.

How to Take the Thyroid "Neck Check" - Instructions in PDF format about conducting a self-exam for thyroid abnormalities, with related illustrations and more on the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test.

Fine Needle Aspiration - A guide to the diagnostic test with an explanation on when it is called for, how the procedure is performed, and information on results and possible side effects.

also see in Health -> Thyroid Diseases

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.