Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer Sydney Endocrine Surgeon Dr Susannah Graham

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer occurs when normal cells in the thyroid change and their growth becomes uncontrolled. There are different types of thyroid cancer. Some types are more serious than others.

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Early on, there may be no symptoms. Thyroid cancer may be found when a thyroid nodule is discovered incidentally when you have a scan (for example an ultrasound or CT) done for another health reason.

When thyroid cancer causes symptoms, the most common symptom is a “lump” or growth on the thyroid gland. Sometimes you are able to see or feel the growth. Other symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:

  • Voice change or hoarse voice

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Swallowing difficulties

  • Cough

  • Coughing up blood

Thyroid cancer is not always the cause of the above symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms in order to determine the underlying cause.

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

If a growth or nodule is found on your thyroid gland, tests will be done to determine whether it is cancer or not. These tests include:

  • Imaging tests – most commonly an ultrasound is used. The way the growth (or nodule) looks on the ultrasound helps determine how suspicious the growth is and whether a biopsy is recommended. A CT scan is sometimes used to help assess the relationship of the thyroid gland and the growth to other nearby structures.

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy – depending on the size and characteristics of the thyroid nodule, a biopsy may be required to diagnose the cause of the nodule and whether further treatment is required. A small needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule and a sample of cells is taken for a pathologist to look at under the microscope.

  • Surgery – sometimes a thyroid gland is removed for another reason and cancer is diagnosed when the gland is inspected under the microscope by the pathologist.

How is thyroid cancer treated?

Dr Graham will discuss your diagnosis and the treatment options during your consultation. Depending on your condition, some or all of the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Surgery – in most cases, thyroid cancer is treated with surgery to remove the cancer and the surrounding thyroid gland. Dr Graham will discuss with you whether removal of part of all of the thyroid gland is recommended. Surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes may also be recommended.

  • Radioactive iodine - radioactive iodine can be used to destroy thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells. Dr Graham will discuss your case with a Multidisciplinary Team to decide if radioactive iodine is recommended depending on the results of your surgery.

  • Other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are uncommonly recommended for thyroid cancer.

What happens after treatment?

After treatment, Dr Graham will organise follow up appointments to monitor you and see if there is any sign that the cancer has come back (recurred). Regular follow-up tests include clinical examination, blood tests and imaging tests. Dr Graham will discuss the follow-up plan with you in detail once all your results are available and treatment has been completed.