If you’ve been diagnosed with a tumor on your thyroid — the butterfly-shaped gland at base of your neck — you can trust the experts at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute to help you understand your diagnosis and plan your treatment.
Although most thyroid tumors are not cancerous, they may still cause uncomfortable symptoms.
If you do have thyroid cancer, we’ll help you get the treatment you need. Thyroid cancers generally grow slowly and respond well to treatment if they are diagnosed early and treated quickly.
You deserve to know all of your options — and how to make the best decisions for a healthy future. If you’re dealing with a thyroid tumor or cancer, you’ll find the care you need at Miami Cancer Institute.
What are thyroid tumors?
Thyroid tumors form in the tissue of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is at the base of your throat near your voice box. It releases hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, metabolism and more.
Thyroid tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Noncancerous tumors, called thyroid nodules, may cause symptoms and need treatment.
Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer diagnosis in the United States. It’s the fifth-most common cancer in women and the most common cancer in women aged 20 to 34. About two percent of cases occur in children and teens.
But thanks to advances in technology and treatment options, thyroid care is highly treatable. The overall survival rate is more than 95 percent.
Types of Thyroid Tumors
Most growths on the thyroid gland are noncancerous thyroid nodules. These can be cysts full of fluid or overgrowths of thyroid tissue. If you have multiple nodules, you may have a multinodular goiter, or an enlarged thyroid tumor with several nodules. These nodules can cause hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid hormone).
There are four main types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer: The most common type, papillary thyroid cancer grows slowly and can affect people of any age. It often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. Treatment is highly successful when the cancer is diagnosed early and treated quickly.
- Follicular thyroid cancer: This cancer grows slowly but it is more likely than papillary thyroid cancer to spread to other parts of the body, like the lungs and bones. Still, treatment is highly successful when the cancer is diagnosed early and treated quickly.
- Medullary thyroid cancer: Medullary thyroid cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, but it often spreads to lymph nodes and other organs. Still, it is usually treated successfully, especially when detected and diagnosed early.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare and aggressive. It accounts for less than two percent of thyroid cancers and is more common in older adults. It often spreads before it is diagnosed.
Some common signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
- Constant cough not connected to a cold
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness or other voice changes that linger
- Lump in the neck that may grow quickly
- Pain in the front of the neck that may extend to the ears
- Swelling in the neck
- Trouble swallowing
Thyroid Tumor Risk Factors
Anyone can get thyroid cancer, but some factors that can increase your risk include:
- Age. Nearly 70 percent of thyroid cancers are diagnosed between the ages 20 to 55. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is more common in those aged 60 and older.
- Gender. Women are three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer. About 30 percent of adult women have thyroid nodules large enough to be detected.
- Tobacco use. Smoking or using tobacco can increase your risk of thyroid cancer and most other cancers.
- Family history. If thyroid cancer runs in your family, you have an increased risk.
- Enlarged thyroid: People with larger-than-normal thyroids are more likely to develop thyroid nodules.
- Iodine exposure. Too much iodine increases your risk of thyroid cancer. Not getting enough iodine is also a risk factor. However, iodine deficiencies are uncommon in the United States because iodine is often added to table salt and other foods.
- Radiation exposure: Being exposed to high levels of radiation increases your risk of thyroid cancer.
- Moderate to heavy alcohol use. Heavy drinking is usually defined as more than 14 drinks per week for men or more than seven for women.
Thyroid Tumor Prevention
You may not be able to prevent thyroid nodules — and there’s no sure way to prevent thyroid cancer. But you can take steps to reduce your cancer risk.
- Quit using tobacco. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use contribute to many health problems, including most cancers. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
- Limit alcohol use. Quit drinking or limit yourself to a drink or two each day.
- Avoid exposure to radiation. Use a respirator or face mask if you must be exposed to airborne sources.
- Control your iodine intake. Your doctor can help you find ways to ensure proper levels of iodine in your diet.
