1. Home > 
2. Disease > 
3. Pediatric thyroid cancer

Pediatric thyroid cancer

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It makes hormones that help the body work normally. There are several types of cancer of the thyroid gland. You are at greater risk if youAre between ages 25 and 65Are a womanAre AsianHave a family member who has had thyroid diseaseHave had radiation treatments to your head or neckYou should see a doctor if you have a lump or swelling in your neck. Doctors use a physical exam, thyroid tests, other blood and imaging tests, and a biopsy to diagnose thyroid cancer. Treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and how far the cancer has spread. Many patients receive a combination of treatments. They may include surgery, radioactive iodine, hormone treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.NIH: National Cancer Institute

Disease Alternative Name