What to do if neck is swollen due to thyroid cancer

What to do if neck is swollen due to thyroid cancer

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that help to regulate metabolism.

Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, but it is the most common type of cancer among women. It is also more common in people who have a family history of thyroid cancer.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or swelling in the neck. Other symptoms may include:

Hoarseness

Difficulty swallowing

Pain in the neck

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Weight loss

Fatigue

Muscle weakness

Diagnosis of thyroid cancer

If you have any of the symptoms of thyroid cancer, your doctor will likely recommend that you have a physical exam and some tests, such as:

Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels

A thyroid ultrasound to create images of the thyroid gland

A biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue from the thyroid gland for examination under a microscope

Treatment for thyroid cancer

The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, which is based on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and whether it is causing any symptoms.

Treatment options for thyroid cancer may include:

Surgery to remove the thyroid gland

Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and any cancer that has spread to other parts of the body

Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells

Targeted therapy to block the growth of cancer cells

Outlook for thyroid cancer

The outlook for thyroid cancer is generally good. Most people with thyroid cancer are able to live a full and active life after treatment. However, the outlook depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and the type of treatment received.

What to do if neck is swollen due to thyroid cancer

If you have a swollen neck and you are concerned that it may be due to thyroid cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook for thyroid cancer.

Here are some things you can do if you have a swollen neck and you are concerned that it may be due to thyroid cancer:

See your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely recommend that you have a physical exam and some tests, such as blood tests, a thyroid ultrasound, and a biopsy, to determine the cause of the swelling.

Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment for you based on the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and your overall health.

Be patient. Treatment for thyroid cancer can take time, but most people with thyroid cancer are able to live a full and active life after treatment.

Additional resources

[American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer.html)

[National Cancer Institute](https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid)

[Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association](https://www.thyca.org/)

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