About
Need to know
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Symptoms of thyroid tumours icon plus
Malignant (cancerous) thyroid tumours are rare and are most common in people in their 30s and those aged over 60.Women are more likely to develop it than men. Tumours of the thyroid gland can be removed by surgery in most cases. The thyroid gland makes the hormones T3 and T4, which control your metabolic rate, and calcitonin which regulates the amount of calcium in your blood. The most common symptoms of thyroid tumours are:
- a painless lump (swelling) in the neck
- hoarse voice
- sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
In rare cases, thyroid cancer can cause more unusual symptoms, such as loose bowel movements or flushing (redness) of the face.
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Diagnosis icon plus
Thyroid tumours can be diagnosed in several ways. Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:
- blood test (to determine how well the thyroid gland is working)
- biopsy (a small sample of cells may be taken from the thyroid tumour and examined under a microscope)
- CT scan or ultrasound of the thyroid tumour
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment options for thyroid tumours depend on the type of cancer you have, whether it has spread and your overall health and fitness. These may include:
- Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.
- Radioactive iodine treatment, where a radioactive substance is swallowed and travels through your blood to kill the cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy to prevent the growth of cancer.
- Radiotherapy to kill cancer cells through radiation.
Thyroid cancers types
Differentiated thyroid cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer
Follicular thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer
Hurthle cell thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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HCA UK at University College Hospital
15th Floor University College Hospital
235 Euston Road
London NW1 2BU
Call 020 3447 1700
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments and Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments. 020 7234 2773
Switchboard 020 7407 3100 -
The Christie Private Care
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road
Manchester M20 4BX
Enquiries 0161 918 7296
Reception 0161 918 7538
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London
W1G 8BJ
Appointments 020 7034 8181
Enquiries 020 3131 7962
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Appointments 020 7811 4000
Enquiries 020 3131 4978
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 0207 908 8001
Enquiries 020 3130 6833
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.