Early detection of thyroid cancer significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment. At Englewood Health, we offer comprehensive screening methods to identify potential issues early in people with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Screening for Thyroid Cancer

If your doctor recommends thyroid cancer screening, you may have one or more of these tests:

• Physical examination: During your screening, your doctor will perform a physical examination of your neck to check for nodules or any enlargement of the thyroid gland. These signs can be early indicators of thyroid cancer.
• Ultrasound imaging: Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize the thyroid gland and detect any suspicious masses. This imaging method helps to identify the size, shape, and characteristics of thyroid nodules, which may require further evaluation.
• Thyroid hormone levels: Blood tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones and can detect specific markers associated with thyroid cancer. Abnormal hormone levels may signal thyroid dysfunction.

Diagnosing and Staging Thyroid Cancer

If screening reveals abnormalities or if you experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or a noticeable lump in the neck, your doctor may order additional tests to see if thyroid cancer is present.

• Biopsy (fine-needle aspiration): A biopsy is a crucial step in diagnosing thyroid cancer. During this procedure, a fine-gauge needle is used to remove tissue samples from a thyroid nodule. These samples are then examined under a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells.
• Advanced imaging techniques: If the biopsy results confirm the presence of thyroid cancer, additional imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the thyroid gland. This process, called staging, guides treatment decisions.

Who Is at Risk?

People with the following inherited conditions have an increased risk of thyroid cancer and may benefit from screening:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (many polyps in the colon) raises the risk of papillary thyroid cancer.
• Inherited disorders such as Werner's syndrome and Cowden's syndrome increase the chance of developing follicular thyroid cancer. 
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN 2) is a rare inherited disorder that elevates the risk of medullary thyroid cancer.