How is thyroid cancer staged? — Expert Video

Dr. R. Michael Tuttle, Chief of Endocrinology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, provides an overview of how thyroid cancer is staged and how staging helps guide care. He discusses how staging helps doctors estimate the likelihood of thyroid cancer affecting a person's lifespan or returning after treatment (recurrence). Doctors consider factors such as age, tumor size, the specific type of thyroid cancer, and molecular testing. Dr. Tuttle explains that by examining thyroid tissue under a microscope (histology) helps confirm whether cancer is present and can identify the specific type. Together, he says this information helps doctors estimate individual risk, guide treatment decisions, and develop a personalized follow-up plan.

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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.