Can Thyroid Cancer Be Found Early?
Many cases of thyroid cancer can be found early. In fact, most thyroid cancers are now found much earlier than in the past and can be treated successfully. Although it's unusual, some thyroid cancers may not cause symptoms until after reaching an advanced stage. Most early thyroid cancers are found when patients ask their doctors about lumps or nodules they have noticed. Others are found by health care professionals during a routine checkup. No blood tests are regularly recommended for early detection of sporadic (not familial) thyroid cancers.
If you have unusual symptoms such as a lump or your neck looks swollen, you should make an appointment to see your doctor right away. During routine physical examinations, be sure your doctor does a cancer-related checkup that, depending on your age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, mouth, skin, lymph nodes, and other cancers. Some doctors recommend that people examine their own necks twice a year to look for any growths or lumps.
People with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with or without type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 2) may be at very high risk for developing this cancer. Most doctors recommend genetic testing for these people when they are young to see if they carry the gene for MTC. If a person refuses genetic testing and surgery to prevent MTC, other tests are available that can help find MTC at an early stage when it may still be curable. (from American Cancer Society)
Can Thyroid Cancer Be Found Early?
