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.
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It begins in follicular cells and tends to grow slowly. This type is more common in people assigned female at birth and usually develops between ages 20 and 60. Often, the only symptom is a small lump on your thyroid gland.
Its cause is unknown, but the cancer may have a genetic link. High-dose radiation therapy to the neck, especially during childhood, can also increase your risk of this cancer. While papillary thyroid cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, it responds well to treatment and is usually curable.
Treatment includes removing the tumor and sometimes the entire thyroid gland. Surgery may be followed by radioactive iodine therapy. If surgery isn’t an option, your doctor may recommend external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. It starts in follicular cells and usually grows slowly. This type of cancer is often treatable, especially if found early. While the cancer doesn’t usually spread to the lymph nodes, it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, like the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.
Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor or the entire thyroid gland. Depending on the stage of the cancer, you might also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or targeted therapy.
Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the C cells. It can occur in children or adults with no family history, but it runs in families about 25 percent of the time. A family history of a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) increases your risk of medullary thyroid cancer. You’re also at higher risk if you have hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic endocrine tumors, mucosal neuromas, or a rare tumor found in the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma.
This cancer may spread to other organs before a thyroid nodule develops, making knowing your risk factors important for early detection and treatment. It’s treated by removing the thyroid and nearby lymph nodes. Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery. Targeted therapies may also help prevent the growth of these tumors.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It’s also called undifferentiated thyroid cancer because its cells look and behave very differently from typical thyroid cells. This cancer most commonly affects people over the age of 60 and occurs more often in people assigned female at birth. The cause isn’t known.
This type of cancer can cause a painful lump in your lower neck, trouble swallowing, loud breathing, vocal cord paralysis, hyperthyroidism, and other symptoms. Surgery can’t cure anaplastic thyroid cancer, but your surgeon may be able remove as much of the tumor as possible to help you breathe more easily, Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help slow the cancer’s growth. Those with a specific gene mutation may benefit from targeted medication.
Hurthle cell cancer is a rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It can cause tumors that make it hard to breathe or talk. Without treatment, it can spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, and bones, making it tough to treat. However, a cure is often possible with prompt treatment that includes removing the thyroid gland, followed by radioactive iodine therapy. Because the cancer can come back, you’ll need to be monitored through regular checkups after surgery.
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.
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.