Malignant masses in the thyroid gland are called thyroid tumors or cancers. Thyroid tumors develop within thyroid nodules. However, it should not be forgotten that only 5 percent of thyroid nodules become cancerous. Therefore, patients with a nodule in the thyroid gland should not immediately worry about this.

What are the Risk Factors for Thyroid Tumors?

The presence of nodules in the thyroid gland is the most important risk factor.

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Tumors?

Small tumors have not shown any symptoms for years. As the tumor grows, it compresses the surrounding tissues and manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and swelling in the neck.

How are Thyroid Tumors Treated?

The first step in the treatment of thyroid tumor/cancer is surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not used in thyroid cancers (except for some types such as medullary cancer). Some patients are treated with radioactive iodine after surgery, but this treatment is not required for every cancer patient. The endocrine council must decide on the necessity of this treatment.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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