What is thyroid cancer?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the bottom of your neck. It has two lobes—left and right—connected by a band of tissue called the isthmus. The thyroid makes hormones that control processes like temperature regulation and metabolism. Thyroid cancer begins when thyroid cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass.

Thyroid cancer is treated by experts in endocrine surgery (surgical oncology) and head and neck surgery (otorhinolaryngology). At Penn Medicine, our surgeons perform hundreds of thyroid removal surgeries each year, making us a high-volume thyroid cancer surgery center. We have experience treating all types of thyroid cancers, including the most complex and challenging cases.

Types of thyroid cancer

The type of thyroid cancer depends on which type of cell it starts in—follicular cells or C cells. Follicular cells produce thyroid hormone, which is responsible for your body’s metabolism and helps control your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. C cells make calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium in your body.

There are several types of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer symptoms

At first, you might not notice any thyroid cancer symptoms. But as the disease progresses, signs of thyroid cancer can include:

  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • A swollen neck lymph node 
  • Neck or throat pain 
  • Persistent cough 
  • Voice changes, including hoarseness 
  • A thyroid nodule (a lump in the thyroid gland)

While most thyroid nodules are benign (not cancerous), all require evaluation.

Thyroid cancer diagnosis and testing

Catching thyroid cancer early greatly improves treatment outcomes. Our thyroid experts provide rapid thyroid cancer diagnoses to get you started on the right treatment plan promptly.

Treating thyroid cancer

Most thyroid cancers can be cured. We treat each type of thyroid cancer differently depending on the cells involved and how the cancer grows.

Understanding thyroid cancer risk factors

The exact cause of thyroid cancer is often unknown. But some factors can increase your risk, including having a pre-existing thyroid condition or exposure to radiation.

Thyroid cancer care: The Penn Medicine advantage

When you’re diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you want care from specialists who are experts in every aspect of thyroid disease. You’ll find that expertise at Penn Medicine. You can count on us for:

  • Industry-leading specialists: Your doctors are experts in endocrinology, nuclear medicine, surgical oncology, head and neck surgery (otorhinolaryngology), radiology, and pathology. You may also work with experts in medical oncology, nutrition, and speech pathology. 
  • Comprehensive care: We offer treatment plans created to meet your specific needs. Our experts collaborate to ensure you receive expert care. 
  • Innovative treatments: Our experts are recognized throughout the world for their groundbreaking research in systemic treatments for advanced thyroid cancer. 
  • Dedicated support: Trained oncology nurse navigators provide personalized guidance to help you find the resources you need, while our cancer support professionals offer essential services, such as educational information, to ease your journey.
National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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