Fact 6: Papillary Thyroid Cancer is Often Diagnosed by Physical Examination and Imaging
The diagnosis of PTC typically begins with a physical examination of the neck to identify any palpable nodules or lumps. If a nodule is detected, the next step is often an imaging test, such as an ultrasound. This technology can provide detailed images of the thyroid gland and any present nodules, offering insight into their size, number, and characteristics.
A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is often performed on suspicious nodules to collect cells for further examination. Under a microscope, pathologists can identify the cell type and determine if cancer cells are present. This procedure is usually the most definitive way to diagnose PTC.
In some cases, blood tests might also be done to assess thyroid function. While these tests can’t diagnose PTC directly, they can provide additional context on the overall health of the thyroid gland, which can support the diagnostic process. (6)
