Fact 11: Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
Diagnosing thyroid cancer often begins with a physical examination during a routine health check-up, during which your doctor may palpate your neck for any lumps or abnormalities. If a nodule is detected, the next step is usually a series of tests to determine if it is benign or malignant.
The first test typically performed is a blood test to measure thyroid hormone levels. This can help the doctor ascertain whether the thyroid is functioning properly, though it doesn’t conclusively determine if cancer is present. A more specific test is the ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid, allowing the doctor to evaluate the size and characteristics of any nodules.
Finally, if a suspicious nodule is detected on ultrasound, the gold standard for diagnosing thyroid cancer is a biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the nodule using a fine needle, under ultrasound guidance. This procedure, known as a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), allows pathologists to examine the cells under a microscope to check for cancer.
The diagnostic process for thyroid cancer can be intensive and sometimes stressful, as it often involves waiting for test results and the uncertainty of a diagnosis. However, it’s crucial to remember that most thyroid nodules are benign, and even when cancer is diagnosed, most thyroid cancers are very treatable. (11)
