Guide to Thyroid Cancer
Overview | Types | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prognosis/Outcomes
What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is an overgrowth of cells within the thyroid gland.
These cells form tumors, which can they spread out to other organs in the body if not treated. The amount that the cancer has spread determines the stages of the thyroid cancer.
Where is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits below the Adam’s apple of the neck.
What does the thyroid do?
The thyroid sends out hormones (including thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that help control the body’s metabolism. Thyroid hormone can affect a person’s heart rate, their body temperature, and their weight.
Some cells in the thyroid make a hormone that specifically controls the body’s calcium supply.
Who Gets Thyroid Cancer?
While thyroid cancer can be seen in people of any gender, age, or background, most cases occur in women, people less than 55 years old, and those with Caucasians or Asian backgrounds.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer and thyroid lymphoma are more common in people over 60. Learn more about the different Types of Thyroid Cancer.
How Common is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. It is also one of the fastest growing cancers in terms of number of new cases, mostly as a result of improved diagnosis and screening methods.
What is the Thyroid Cancer Prognosis?
Fortunately, it is one of the least deadly forms of cancer.
For 2025, the American Cancer Society’s estimates for the frequency and severity of thyroid cancer in the United States are:
- About 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,670 in men and 31,350 in women)
- About 2,290 deaths from thyroid cancer (1,090 in men and 1,200 in women)
Learn more about the Thyroid Cancer Survival Rates.
Next Steps
If you are dealing with a thyroid issue, our team at the Columbia Thyroid Center is here to help. Call (212) 305-0444 or request an appointment online.
To keep learning about Thyroid Cancer: Overview | Types | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prognosis/Outcomes
This content has been created by Columbia’s Health Guide Team. Learn more about our efforts to bring you the clearest, most accurate, and most human health resources available.