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Thyroid cancers
Cancers and tumours of the thyroid gland. HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of thyroid cancers, including thyroid tumours.
About
The thyroid gland is a small gland located in your neck that produces hormones. Tumours can sometimes develop in the thyroid gland. They tend to be benign (non-cancerous) but others are malignant (cancerous). There is a risk a malignant tumour can spread into nearby tissues and other organs (parts of your body).
Need to know
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.
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
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
Nine out of 10 cases of thyroid cancer are differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). There are two groups of DTC – papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.
Papillary thyroid cancer
This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It is usually found in women and young people.
Follicular thyroid cancer
Most often diagnosed in middle-aged people, follicular thyroid cancer can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.
Medullary thyroid cancer
This is a rare type of thyroid cancer than can run in families.
Hurthle cell thyroid cancer
Hurthle cells are rare abnormal cells that can develop in the thyroid gland. It affects women rather than men and people around the age of 50.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is usually found in older people and is more common in women.
Our Thyroid cancers locations
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.