Risk Benign Thyroid Tumor Becomes Cancerous

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Risk Benign Thyroid Tumor Becomes Cancerous

Question:

Is there a high risk of benign thyroid tumors developing into cancerous tumors?

Answer:

Once the nature of a thyroid nodule (or tumor) is determined to be benign, there is little likelihood that it will degenerate or develop into a cancer.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, above the central portion of the breast bone (sternum). The thyroid gland regulates the metabolism of the body.

Thyroid nodules are quite common. They may be:

• Discovered by the patient as a lump in the throat

• Found by the doctor while performing a routine physical examination

• Detected during an X-ray evaluation that includes the neck

The main decision a doctor faces when a thyroid nodule is detected is whether the nodule is a benign or cancerous. Your doctor may order one or more tests to help determine the likelihood of cancer. These tests include:

• A blood test called thyroid stimulating hormone that shows whether the gland is producing too little, too much or just the right amount of thyroid hormone

• A sound wave test (ultrasound) of the thyroid

• A nuclear thyroid scan

• A biopsy of the thyroid nodule

Even if the thyroid nodule is benign, it can cause other symptoms, such as pressure on the neck and swallowing structures if the nodule is large, or hyperactive metabolism if the nodule is making an excess of thyroid hormone.

While most thyroid nodules are benign, special attention should always be given to a new nodule in:

• Children

• People under 30 or over 60

• People with a family history of thyroid cancer

• People who received radiation therapy or radiation exposure to the face, head, neck or upper chest

A new nodule in a person with above-average risk requires evaluation, usually by a thyroid specialist (an endocrinologist).

Last updated:	July 20, 2009