Where is the thyroid gland?The thyroid gland sits in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It is made up of 2 main lobes (right and left) joined across the middle by a thinner strip called the isthmus. There is also a much smaller pyramidal lobe in some people. The gland is butterfly or bow tie shaped. |
What does the thyroid gland do?![]() It produces thyroid hormones called thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). These hormones are very important and help control the body’s metabolism (use of energy). The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin. This helps control the amounts of calcium and phosphate salts in the body. The level of calcitonin is raised when medullary thyroid cancer is present. |
How common is thyroid cancer?Compared to breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancers thyroid cancer is much less common. In 2013, there were 3241 new cases (approx 2400 women, 7880 men) diagnosed in the UK. |
What symptoms does thyroid cancer cause?The commonest way that thyroid cancers are found is when someone notices a lump or nodule in the neck where the thyroid gland sits. This is usually painless and many patients feel otherwise well.
Less common ways include:
In rare cases, the first signs may be due to the cancer having spread from the thyroid gland to other parts of the body where it produces secondary tumours (metastases). For example, the lungs or bones. |
Who is at risk?Thyroid swellings/nodules are very common but most nodules are not cancers.
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Thyroid Cancer Forum UKDr. Kate GarcezChristie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX |
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