Thyroid cancer

Overview

There are different types of thyroid carcinomas, each with their own progression and treatment options. The risk factors include what is known as ionising radiation, and genetic factors. The carcinoma is often asymptomatic for a long time or presents as a rough, painless lump low down in the front of the neck. Late symptoms include hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms

Explanation of thyroid

• Function: hormone production
• Location: at the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple and around the front of the windpipe 

Symptoms

• Hardly any early symptoms
  • Sometimes, a rough and painless lump
• Late symptoms
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness, coughing
  • Breathing sounds (whistling)
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Enlarged lymph nodes (around the neck and clavicle)

Causes and treatment

Cause

• Risk factors
  • Genetic factors
  • Ionising radiation (high-energy radiation, e.g. radioactivity)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Examination of the thyroid
• Blood test (thyroid levels, tumour factors, etc.)
• Imaging tests
  • Ultrasound (sonography) of thyroid gland
  • Scintigraphy (nuclear medicine)

Possible therapies

• Operation (whenever possible)
  • Removal of thyroid gland
  • Removal of local lymph nodes
• Radiation or radioactive iodine therapy (nuclear medicine)
• Chemotherapy, if necessary

What can I do myself?

• Feel the thyroid (laypeople should only use one hand)
• Find out if thyroid cancer runs in the family

When to see a doctor?

• Rough lump or swelling on the front of the neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness and coughing don’t improve
• Breathing sounds (whistling)
• Breathing difficulties
• Enlarged lymph nodes (around the neck and clavicle)

Further information

Krebsliga Schweiz (Swiss Cancer League)
www.krebsliga.ch

Synonyms

thyroid cancer, thyroid carcinoma, struma maligna