THYROID NODULE AND CANCER

FAQS

What is a Thyroid Nodule?

A thyroid nodule is a lump or swelling inside the thyroid gland.
It may be:

• Solid

• Fluid-filled (cyst)

• Single or multiple

Most thyroid nodules are not cancer.

3. How Common are Thyroid Nodules?

Very common.

• Seen in 30–50% of adults on ultrasound.

• More common in women and older age.

4. What Causes Thyroid Nodules?

Common causes:

• Iodine deficiency

• Benign growth (adenoma)

• Cysts

• Inflammation (thyroiditis)

• Multinodular goiter

• Rarely cancer

5. What are the Symptoms?

Many people have no symptoms.

If large, may cause:

• Neck swelling

• Difficulty swallowing

• Voice change

• Breathing difficulty

• Cosmetic concern

6. How are Thyroid Nodules Evaluated?

Key Tests:

1. Blood Test (TSH)

• Shows thyroid function.

2. Ultrasound Neck

• Most important test.

• Shows size, shape, and suspicious features.

3. FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)

• Small needle test.

• Determines benign or suspicious cancer.

• Very important decision-making test.

4. Thyroid Scan

• Used if TSH is low (to check hot vs cold nodules).

7. When is Surgery Needed for a Thyroid Nodule?

Surgery is advised if:

• FNAC shows cancer or suspicion

• Large size (>4 cm)

• Compression symptoms

• Rapid growth

• Cosmetic reasons

• Repeated cyst recurrence

• Toxic (overactive) nodule

THYROID CANCER

8. What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is abnormal uncontrolled growth of thyroid cells.
It is one of the most curable cancers if detected early.

9. Types of Thyroid Cancer

Common Types:

1. Papillary – Most common, best prognosis

2. Follicular – Good prognosis

3. Medullary – Moderate prognosis

4. Anaplastic – Rare, aggressive

10. What are the Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer?

• Hard thyroid lump

• Rapid growth

• Voice change/hoarseness

• Swollen neck nodes

• Difficulty swallowing

• Family history

• Radiation exposure in childhood

11. How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

• Ultrasound Neck

• FNAC

• CT/MRI (if advanced)

• Thyroglobulin / Calcitonin in special cases

ROLE OF SURGERY

12. Why is Surgery Important?

Surgery is the main treatment for thyroid cancer.
It removes the tumor and prevents spread.

13. Types of Thyroid Surgery

1. Hemithyroidectomy (Lobectomy)

• Removes one lobe.

• Used for small, low-risk cancers or benign nodules.

2. Total Thyroidectomy

• Removes entire thyroid.

• Used for:

  • Larger cancers

  • Multifocal disease

  • Bilateral nodules

  • High-risk cancers

3. Neck Node Dissection

• Done if lymph nodes are involved.

14. Risks of Thyroid Surgery

Usually safe, but possible risks:

• Temporary voice change

• Low calcium (due to parathyroid injury)

• Bleeding

• Scar

• Permanent nerve injury (rare)

15. What Happens After Total Thyroidectomy?

• Lifelong thyroid hormone tablets

• Regular blood tests

• Possible Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI) in selected cancers

FOLLOW-UP AFTER SURGERY

16. Why is Follow-Up Important?

To:

• Detect recurrence early

• Adjust thyroid hormone dose

• Monitor cancer markers

• Ensure long-term cure

17. Follow-Up Tests

1. Thyroglobulin Blood Test

• Tumor marker for papillary/follicular cancer.

2. Ultrasound Neck

• Checks for recurrence or lymph nodes.

3. TSH Levels

• Keep slightly low to prevent cancer growth.

4. Whole Body Scan

• Done in selected cases after RAI.

5. Calcitonin

• Used in medullary cancer.

18. How Often is Follow-Up Done?

• Every 3–6 months in first year

• Then yearly if stable

19. What is the Prognosis?

Excellent in most cases.

• Papillary & Follicular → >90% cure rate

• Early detection + proper surgery = very high survival

KEY TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• Most thyroid nodules are benign.

• FNAC and Ultrasound are crucial tests.

• Surgery is the main treatment for thyroid cancer.

• Regular follow-up ensures long-term cure.

• With proper care, outcomes are very good.