Thyroid Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

What are the symptoms of thyroid tumors?

Thyroid tumors rarely cause symptoms in their early stages, but if you do have any symptoms, especially those that last longer than two weeks, see your doctor. In early stages, even thyroid cancer responds well to treatment.

Symptoms may include:

A lump or swelling in the front of the neck
Pain in the neck or ears
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Change in voice tone
Hoarseness
A chronic cough

How are thyroid tumors diagnosed?

A number of tests may be used to help diagnose and evaluate thyroid tumors:

Imaging - Ultrasound is usually the first imaging study used to evaluate the thyroid. Doctors may also use computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and radioiodine scans to help them see the tumor.
Laryngoscopy - This procedure using a thin, flexible, lighted tube to assess the function of the vocal cords, view the larynx and other areas in the throat.
Biopsy or fine needle aspiration - A doctor will take a small sample of the tumor to confirm the diagnosis and type of thyroid cancer. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so you do not have to spend the night in the hospital.

FACT Accredited

Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is proud that our Blood & Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program is fully FACT Accredited for stem cell transplants and cellular therapies.

This accreditation means we are certified to perform stem cell transplants and cellular therapies such as CAR T-cell therapies within our Institute. Additionally, this recognition allows our team to obtain full insurance coverage for these procedures from all providers. For more information on FACT Accreditation, you can visit the foundation’s website.

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What are the symptoms of thyroid tumors?

How are thyroid tumors diagnosed?

FACT Accredited

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