{"id":11,"date":"2018-01-30T20:50:52","date_gmt":"2018-01-31T01:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T18:56:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T22:56:46","slug":"thyroid-cancer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/thyroid-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Thyroid Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":7,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in women under 30 and the second most common cancer in women 30 to 45 years of age. At Saint John’s Health Center, we treat all thyroid and adrenal conditions including thyroid cancer, benign thyroid nodules, hyperparathyroidism, and Cushing’s Syndrome.<\/p>\n

What is Thyroid Cancer?<\/h2>\n
\"Thyroid
Thyroid cancer develops within the thyroid gland and may be visibly observed as a round bump or lump.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the thyroid gland, forming nodules or tumors that may affect hormone production. Most thyroid cancers are highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early.<\/p>\n

At Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, our Endocrine Center of Excellence provides comprehensive thyroid cancer evaluation, ultrasound, biopsy, surgical management, and long-term follow-up led by a multidisciplinary team of thyroid specialists.<\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n

Understanding Thyroid Cancer<\/h2>\n

The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart function, and body temperature. Thyroid cancer often develops in thyroid nodules, which may be detected during routine exams or imaging studies. Because many thyroid cancers grow slowly, early detection\u2014through ultrasound and biopsy\u2014is key to ensuring excellent outcomes.<\/p>\n

Types of Thyroid Cancer<\/h2>\n

Thyroid cancer is not a single disease. There are several distinct types, each with different growth patterns, treatment approaches, and long-term outcomes. Identifying the specific type of thyroid cancer is an important first step in creating a personalized treatment plan.<\/p>\n

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Papillary Thyroid Cancer (Most Common)<\/p>\n

\"Papillary
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: An endocrine specialist will help determine which thyroid cancer is present, which guides the recommended treatment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>Papillary thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all thyroid cancer cases. It typically grows slowly and often spreads to nearby lymph nodes in the neck. Despite this tendency to spread locally, papillary thyroid cancer has an excellent prognosis, especially when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Most patients achieve long-term remission with surgery and, in some cases, additional therapy.<\/p>\n

Follicular Thyroid Cancer<\/p>\n

Follicular thyroid cancer is less common than papillary cancer and is more likely to spread through the bloodstream to areas such as the lungs or bones. When detected early, it is highly treatable and associated with excellent outcomes. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment planning may differ slightly from other thyroid cancer types.<\/p>\n

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)<\/h3>\n

Medullary thyroid cancer develops from C-cells in the thyroid, which produce the hormone calcitonin. This type of thyroid cancer may occur sporadically or as part of inherited syndromes, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Because of its genetic associations, diagnosis often includes specialized blood tests and genetic counseling to guide treatment and family screening.<\/p>\n

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer<\/h3>\n

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but highly aggressive and fast-growing. It often presents with rapidly enlarging neck masses and symptoms affecting breathing or swallowing. Treatment typically requires immediate coordination among multiple specialists and may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies when appropriate. Understanding the cancer type guides treatment decisions, such as whether surgery alone is sufficient or additional therapies are needed.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Premalignant\u2019 or Self-contained Thyroid Cancer Types<\/h2>\n
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Noninvasive Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (NIFTP)<\/h3>\n

NIFTPs are a newer classification of thyroid cancer. These tumors also need to be removed surgically, but as cancer has not yet spread to surrounding tissues, a limited surgical approach is sufficient. This is achieved through thyroid lobectomy\u2014surgery that involves removing about half of the thyroid gland including the portion of the thyroid that contains the suspicious tumor.<\/p>\n

Minimally Invasive Follicular Thyroid Cancer (MIFTC)<\/h3>\n

MIFTCs are considered a contained follicular tumor, having only small to medium vessel invasion within or immediately adjacent to the tumor capsule without extending into the thyroid parenchyma. These tumors still need to be removed surgically. However, because the cancer has not yet spread, a limited surgical approach is recommended. This is achieved through thyroid lobectomy\u2014surgery that involves removing about half of the thyroid gland including the portion of the thyroid that contains the suspicious tumor.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer<\/h2>\n

Most thyroid cancers do not produce any symptoms. However, if large enough in size (and this is different for everyone), it may cause:<\/p>\n

    \n \t
    \"thyroid
    A lump on the front of the neck should be evaluated by an endocrine specialist.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n
      \n
    • A lump or swelling in the neck<\/li>\n
    • Voice changes or hoarseness<\/li>\n
    • Difficulty swallowing<\/li>\n
    • Neck pain or pressure<\/li>\n
    • Enlarged lymph nodes<\/li>\n
    • Persistent cough not related to illness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer<\/h2>\n
        \n
      • Family history of thyroid cancer<\/li>\n
      • Genetic syndromes (MEN2, familial medullary thyroid cancer)<\/li>\n
      • Radiation exposure to the head, neck, or chest<\/li>\n
      • Female sex<\/li>\n
      • Personal history of thyroid nodules<\/li>\n
      • Iodine deficiency (rare in the U.S.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Genetic counseling may be recommended for patients with medullary thyroid cancer or a strong family history.<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"","layer_id":"block-80"},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

        How is Thyroid Cancer diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

        Diagnosing thyroid cancer involves a careful combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, tissue sampling, and laboratory testing. This comprehensive approach helps determine whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous, identifies the specific cancer type, and guides personalized treatment planning.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Physical Examination<\/h3>\n

        Evaluation often begins with a physical exam of the neck to assess for thyroid nodules or enlarged lymph nodes. Your physician will also review personal and family medical history, radiation exposure, and other risk factors that may influence diagnosis and management.<\/p>\n

        Thyroid Ultrasound<\/h3>\n

        \"Dr.
        Dr. Melanie Goldfarb, thyroid surgeon and endocrine specialist, performs routine ultrasound imaging to evaluate thyroid conditions.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>A thyroid ultrasound is typically the first imaging study performed when a nodule is detected. This noninvasive test evaluates the size, structure, and appearance of thyroid nodules and surrounding lymph nodes, helping determine whether further testing\u2014such as biopsy\u2014is needed.<\/p>\n

        Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy<\/h3>\n

        A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is the most reliable method for determining whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle collects cells for microscopic analysis. At Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center, biopsy samples are evaluated promptly to support timely diagnosis and next-step planning.<\/p>\n

        Blood Tests<\/h3>\n

        Blood testing helps assess thyroid function and identify tumor markers that may suggest specific cancer types. These tests may include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormone levels, and\u2014when medullary thyroid cancer is suspected\u2014calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. These may include:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels to assess overall thyroid health<\/li>\n
        • Calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels when medullary thyroid cancer is suspected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Blood test results help support diagnosis and may play a role in monitoring treatment response over time.<\/p>\n

          Additional Imaging<\/h3>\n

          When thyroid cancer is advanced or there is concern for spread beyond the thyroid, additional imaging may be recommended. CT scans or MRI can help evaluate tumor extension into the neck and surrounding structures, supporting surgical planning. In select cases\u2014often after surgery\u2014radioactive iodine scanning may be used to detect remaining thyroid cancer cells, particularly in papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.<\/p>\n

          Genetic Testing<\/h3>\n

          Genetic counseling and testing are recommended for patients with medullary thyroid cancer. Identifying an inherited mutation helps guide treatment decisions and provides important information for family members who may also be at risk.<\/p><\/div>\n

          Diagnosis of thyroid cancer integrates imaging, biopsy results, laboratory findings, and individual risk factors. This thorough approach ensures that treatment recommendations are precise, appropriate, and aligned with each patient\u2019s condition and long-term health goals.<\/p>\n

          Staging Thyroid Cancer<\/h2>\n

          Staging describes how far thyroid cancer has progressed and plays an important role in guiding treatment decisions and follow-up care. It helps determine whether the cancer is confined to the thyroid or has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
          \n<\/p>\n