Thyroid cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the thyroid; follicular tumor of the thyroid; tumor - thyroid

Symptoms:

• enlargement of thyroid gland or neck swelling
• hoarseness or changing voice
• cough or cough with bleeding
• diarrhea or constipation

Note: Symptoms may vary depending on the type of thyroid cancer

Signs and tests:

A physical examination reveals enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid reveals single or multiple nodules.

Tests that indicate thyroid cancer:

• a thyroid biopsy showing anaplastic, follicular, medullary, or papillary carcinoma cells
• an ultrasound of the thyroid revealing nodule
• a thyroid scan showing cold nodule
• a laryngoscopy showing paralyzed vocal cords
• serum calcitonin, elevated

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• T4
• T3
• dexamethasone suppression test
• CEA