Thyroid Cancer

There are several types of cancer that arise from the thyroid. Thyroid cancer can occur at any time of life, though different types are more common at different ages. Thyroid cancer usually appears as a lump (nodule) in the thyroid, which is in the front of the neck. Some patients with thyroid cancer show no symptoms. Blood tests for the thyroid are usually normal. Even though patients with thyroid cancer usually do very well, at Keck Medicine of USC, we approach every patient’s cancer carefully and plan individualized treatment. In most cases, thyroid surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine may be needed after surgery, when there are high-risk factors. Less commonly, patients with metastatic (widespread) disease may be treated with medical therapies or external beam radiation, through the renowned USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.