What Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Nodules Are
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. Although it only weighs about an ounce, the thyroid can have a tremendous impact on your health. The thyroid’s function is to create thyroid hormone, which regulates every aspect of your metabolism.
Facts About Thyroid Cancer and Thyroid Nodules
Following is information on thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules:
Thyroid Cancer
Cancerous thyroid nodules are often detected by a lump in the thyroid or swelling in the neck.
The majority of people with thyroid cancer have excellent long term prognoses due to the availability
of safe and effective therapies.
Here are some additional facts about thyroid cancer:
- Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of the endocrine system (glands).
- The American Cancer Society estimates that in the year 2009 about 37,200 new cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed in the United States (27,200 in women and 10,000 in men).
- Thyroid cancer is one of the least deadly cancers with the 5 year survival rate for all cases at about 97%.
- The chance of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer has risen slightly in recent years. This is thought to be primarily due to the increased use of ultrasound for diagnosis.
- Women are more likely to suffer from thyroid disease than men.
Thyroid Nodules
Normal thyroid cells may grow, forming a solid or fluid-filled lump in the thyroid. There are generally no symptoms. However, nodules may grow large enough to press on the trachea or esophagus, or may cause hyperthyroidism. Only 5% of nodules are cancerous.