A solid nodule is more likely to be cancerous, and an ultrasound may also guide a thyroid biopsy. A biopsy is a tissue sample taken with a fine needle from a suspicious thyroid nodule and examined by a pathologist. Other tests may be performed to further identify thyroid cancer. If there are any symptoms, a biopsy is performed by a doctor.
Almost half of all thyroid cancers are medullary, and one out of five cases are caused by an abnormal gene. Medullary thyroid cancer may start in the thyroid itself and spread to the lymph nodes if not detected early. This cancer is usually curable if detected early, although later stages will increase the risk of metastasis. If you suspect you have this condition, be sure to consult your doctor immediately.
Other causes include radiation exposure. While radiation exposure does not cause thyroid cancer, it increases your risk. Radiation from nuclear weapons or power plant accidents is a known risk factor. Radiation therapy given to children is also a risk factor. However, the risk will increase with higher doses of radiation and younger age at the time of treatment. For this reason, it is important to get a thyroid screening done as soon as you feel a lump in your neck.
A physical exam and a variety of blood tests will help determine whether you have thyroid cancer. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will likely request a thyroid biopsy to determine the extent of your tumor. Once the cancer has been diagnosed, treatment will depend on the type and location of the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radioactive iodine, hormone treatment, and chemotherapy. Some doctors may use targeted therapy drugs to attack specific cancer cells.
Radiation therapy may also increase the risk of thyroid cancer in children. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster exposed millions of people to radioactivity. Children living near Chernobyl, for example, had a higher rate of thyroid cancer. However, children who receive a high dose of iodine, such as iodine supplements, have lower risk. However, exposure to radiation in children can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Most of the time, a lump in the neck is not thyroid cancer. Instead, it may be a non-cancerous condition, such as an infection, or another cancer in the neck. Still, it is always important to see a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Smart Symptom Checker can help you determine whether you have a thyroid nodule, or a cancer of the neck. The sooner you detect a lump in the neck, the better.
If your doctor suspects you have thyroid cancer, they may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. A thyroid ultrasound can give a clear picture of the thyroid area, as well as the cancerous nodule. A biopsy will also allow them to see whether the tumor has spread throughout your body. Your doctor may also perform CT scan or an MRI scan to determine the extent of the cancer. If your thyroid cancer has spread, it will be treated and monitored with treatment.
