Please select a box below for more information about Thyroid Cancer. Your Consultant or Cancer Nurse Specialist will be able to talk to you about your cancer in more detail.
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck, just below your voicebox (larynx), with your windpipe above it. It is shaped like a butterfly and it is made up of 2 lobes (left and right). These lobes are connected by a thin piece of thyroid tissue which is called the isthmus. On either side of the thyroid gland, and under the chin are some lymph nodes, these nodes are carefully joined together by fine tubes called lymph vessels.
The thyroid gland is positioned close to the parathyroid glands. Although they have similar names, they do different jobs.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. This system makes the hormones that help to control the way the body functions. The thyroid gland makes the following hormones:
- thyroxine (T4)
- triiodothyronine(T3)
Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 The thyroid gland needs a regular supply of iodine to produce thyroid hormones. We get iodine from our diet. It is mainly found in fish, seafood and dairy products. Some types of salt also contain iodine, but they are not commonly used in the UK. These hormones keep the body functioning at the right pace.
There are different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. These types of thyroid cancer together are called differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Palillary - This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It is usually slow-growing. Papillary thyroid cancer can affect anyone. It is more common in younger people and women.
Follicular - This is a less common type of thyroid cancer and tends to be mostly found in middle-aged people.
Other types of thyroid cancer
Medullary - Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer which can sometimes run in families.
Anaplastic - Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a very rare type of thyroid cancer which is very fast-growing.
The most common symptom of a thyroid cancer is a painless lump in the neck. Most thyroid lumps are not cancerous (benign) but it is always important to get any lump checked.Other symptoms include:
- a hoarse voice that has no obvious cause and does not go away after a few weeks
- difficulty swallowing – caused by a thyroid tumour pressing on the gullet (oesophagus)
- difficulty breathing – caused by a thyroid tumour pressing on the windpipe (trachea)
- pain in the front of the neck.
Always make an appointment to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Different types of thyroid cancer may have other symptoms.
Always contact your CNS during working hours anything urgent seek the advise of 111 or attend Emergency Department (ED)
Click here for more information on symptom management.
Important things to remember
- You will have lifelong follow up and regular blood tests to review your thyroid levels.
- Your scar after surgery will improve overtime and is usually in the natural folds of your neck camougflage makeup can be used to help in the early stages speak to your nurse if any concerns.
The following links to videos from STSFT and Newcastle Hospital about Thyroid Cancer.
The attached websites are useful for different aspects of Thyroid cancer information
