How is thyroid cancer diagnosed? — Expert Video

Dr. R. Michael Tuttle, an endocrinologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, provides an overview of how thyroid cancer is diagnosed. He explains that thyroid cancer is not detected through blood tests, as thyroid function is usually normal. Instead, an ultrasound is used to examine thyroid nodules and lymph nodes in the neck for suspicious features. If a nodule appears concerning, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy is typically performed. Dr. Tuttle further describes that this procedure can confirm whether cancer is present, and can usually identify the type of thyroid cancer, thereby helping guide treatment decisions.

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Understanding Thyroid Cancer — Animation

Understanding Thyroid Cancer — Slide Show

Expert Videos

1. What is thyroid cancer, and what causes it?

2. What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?

3. What are the risk factors for thyroid cancer?

4. How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

5. How is thyroid cancer staged?

6. How is thyroid cancer treated?

This educational activity has been developed by The THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc., and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by independent educational grants from Bayer, Eisai, Lilly, Rigel, THANC Foundation Board of Directors, and The Rosenfield Family.

Thank you to the funders of You And Thyroid Cancer. All content is developed independently by The THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc., and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., in collaboration with an Expert Faculty group. Funders are allowed no influence on the content of You And Thyroid Cancer: An Animated Patient^® Guide to Thyroid Cancer.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The visuals provided are meant for representation only. No specific brand is being promoted or endorsed.

This website is part of the Animated Patient^® series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.