Thyroid Cancer

Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of thyroid cancer.Thyroid Cancer (PDQ®): TreatmentThyroid Cancer Treatment

Description

What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is at the base of the throat. It has two lobes, one on the right side and one on the left. The thyroid gland makes important hormones that help the body function normally.

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer occurs more often in people between the ages of 25 and 65 years.
People who have been exposed to radiation or received radiation treatments to the head and neck during infancy or childhood have a greater chance of developing thyroid cancer. The cancer may occur as early as 5 years after exposure or may occur 20 or more years later.
People who have had goiter (enlarged thyroid) or a family history of thyroid disease have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
Asian people have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.