Thyroid cancer is an overgrowth of cells within the thyroid gland, and it’s a type of cancer that doesn’t always require surgery. When it comes to diagnosis, endocrine surgeon Eric Kuo, MD, shares what’s important to know.
Key Info:
- A thyroid cancer diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach starting with a medical history and physical exam, followed by blood tests to assess hormone levels and imaging like ultrasound to evaluate nodules for suspicious characteristics.
- A crucial step in confirming diagnosis is the thyroid biopsy, which may yield results ranging from non-diagnostic to malignant, guiding further treatment decisions.
- Staging based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis helps determine the extent of the disease and treatment options, with advanced stages requiring more intensive management.