Why would a doctor order an ultrasound of the thyroid?
An ultrasound of the thyroid is typically used: to determine if a lump in the neck is arising from the thyroid or an adjacent structure. to analyze the appearance of thyroid nodules and determine if they are the more common benign nodule or if the nodule has features that require a biopsy.
How is a thyroid ultrasound performed?
You lie down with your neck on a pillow or other soft support. Your neck is stretched slightly. The ultrasound technician applies a water-based gel on your neck to help transmit the sound waves. Next, the technician moves a wand, called a transducer, back and forth on the skin of your neck.
How long does it take for thyroid ultrasound results?
The entire test takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and the results are typically ready in about 24 hours. If your doctor is unable to get a clear picture, you might be called back to repeat the test.
Can a thyroid ultrasound detect cancer?
The image of your thyroid and any nodules, even those you can’t feel, will show up on a computer screen. An ultrasound may show your doctor if a lump is filled with fluid or if it’s solid. A solid one is more likely to have cancerous cells, but you’ll still need more tests to find out.
Does thyroid cancer spread quickly?
It can grow quickly and often spreads into surrounding tissue and other parts of the body. This rare cancer type accounts for about 2% of thyroid cancer diagnoses.
Who is at high risk for thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but the risk peaks earlier for women (who are most often in their 40s or 50s when diagnosed) than for men (who are usually in their 60s or 70s).
What are the odds of getting thyroid cancer?
For regional follicular cancer, the rate is 97%, and for regional medullary cancer, the rate is 91%. For regional anaplastic thyroid cancer, the rate is 10%. Medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers, which together make up 3% of all thyroid cancers, are more likely to spread.
What is the average age of thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but about two-thirds of all cases are found in people between the ages of 20 and 55. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed after age 60.
How long can you live after thyroid cancer?
Papillary thyroid cancer
| SEER Stage | 5-Year Relative Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| Localized | near 100% |
| Regional | 99% |
| Distant | 76% |
| All SEER stages combined | near 100% |
How do they remove thyroid cancer?
Thyroidectomy is surgery to remove the thyroid gland. It is the most common surgery for thyroid cancer. As with lobectomy, this is typically done through an incision a few inches long across the front of the neck.
How treatable is thyroid cancer?
Most thyroid cancers are very curable. In fact, the most common types of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular thyroid cancer) are the most curable. In younger patients, less than 50 years of age, both papillary and follicular cancers have a more than 98% cure rate if treated appropriately.
Is Stage 1 thyroid cancer curable?
Early stage thyroid cancer is very treatable, and most patients are cured. Treatment of stage I-II thyroid cancer typically consists of surgery with or without radiation therapy. Combining two treatment techniques has become an important approach for increasing a patient’s chance of cure and prolonging survival.