The diagnosis of thyroid cancer involves taking a medical history, reviewing symptom(s), and having certain tests, including:
- Ultrasound: To look at the thyroid gland and identify any abnormalities
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: To get tissue samples for examination
- Blood tests: To check thyroid hormone levels and assess gland function
- Imaging tests (CT or MRI scans): to see where the cancer is and how far it has spread to help determine treatment
Thyroid cancer is divided into several different subtypes based on the population of thyroid cells affected:
- Papillary and/or mixed papillary/follicular thyroid cancer: Most common type (approximately 80% of cases); generally grows slowly and is typically responsive to treatments.
- Follicular and/or Hurthle cell thyroid cancer: Less common and potentially spreads to the lungs or bones.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: Rare and often hereditary, requiring genetic testing.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: The most aggressive and least common form, often resistant to treatment.
Each subtype has distinct characteristics and may require different treatment approaches.
Related Links
What Are the Types of Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid Cancer Explained: Types, Staging, and Patient Communication
Testing helps determine cancer stage, assess risk and prognosis, personalize treatment, and monitor therapy effectiveness.
- Thyroid function tests: To assess how well the thyroid gland is working
- Genetic testing: If medullary thyroid cancer (and some other types) is present, to look for genetic markers
- Surgical biopsy: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the thyroid gland for further examination.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): A hormone that regulates thyroid function and is monitored during treatment.
- Thyroglobulin: A protein produced by thyroid cells, used to monitor cancer recurrence.
Tools to help you feel activated and connect with resources to overcome barriers to accessing care.
Topics:
- Thyroid Cancer Care
- Thyroid Cancer Treatment and Research
- [ACT]IVATED Thyroid Cancer Resources
Shares the importance of latest treatment options, clinical trials and patient participation in clinical trials.
Topics:
- Understanding Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer Treatment and Research Updates
- Tools for Thyroid Cancer Patient Self-Advocacy
