Guide to Thyroid Cancer

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is an overgrowth of cells within the thyroid gland.

These cells form tumors, which can they spread out to other organs in the body if not treated. The amount that the cancer has spread determines the stages of the thyroid cancer.

Where is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits below the Adam’s apple of the neck.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid sends out hormones (including thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that help control the body’s metabolism. Thyroid hormone can affect a person’s heart rate, their body temperature, and their weight.

Some cells in the thyroid make a hormone that specifically controls the body’s calcium supply.

Who Gets Thyroid Cancer?

While thyroid cancer can be seen in people of any gender, age, or background, most cases occur in women, people less than 55 years old, and those with Caucasians or Asian backgrounds.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer and thyroid lymphoma are more common in people over 60. Learn more about the different Types of Thyroid Cancer.

How Common is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. It is also one of the fastest growing cancers in terms of number of new cases, mostly as a result of improved diagnosis and screening methods.

What is the Thyroid Cancer Prognosis?

Fortunately, it is also one of the least deadly forms of cancer.

In 2015, there were over 60,000 new cases of thyroid cancer, and fewer than 2,000 deaths related to thyroid cancer.

Learn more about the Thyroid Cancer Survival Rates.

Next Steps

If you are dealing with a thyroid issue, our team at the Columbia Thyroid Center is here to help. Call (212) 305-0444 or request an appointment online.