Diagnosing thyroid cancer early can help improve treatment outcomes. Our team of thyroid experts works together to provide prompt thyroid cancer diagnosis so you can begin treatment right away.
Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors
Experts don't always know what causes thyroid cancer. But there are some factors that put you at higher risk for developing the disease. Risk factors include:
- Getting older
- Living near a nuclear disaster site
- Radiation exposure (especially during childhood)
How Is Thyroid Cancer Detected and Diagnosed?
Sometimes, thyroid cells grow in ways that aren't typical and form a lump called a thyroid nodule. Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous (benign), but it's important to test for thyroid cancer if the nodule looks suspicious.
Usually, doctors do an ultrasound exam of the thyroid when you or they notice a lump or swelling in your neck. Thyroid nodules are also often noticed on imaging tests of your neck (such as CT scan) done for another reason. Doctors may also do blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.
Doctors at the Penn Medicine Thyroid Nodule Clinic evaluate hundreds of thyroid nodules each year. You can trust our team's expertise in diagnosing cancerous (malignant) and benign thyroid nodules.
Penn Medicine specialists use different thyroid tests to diagnose cancer. We start with a physical exam and talk with you about any family history of thyroid cancer. Our experts also use:
Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound
Thyroid ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of your thyroid. It is the best imaging test to evaluate nodules. Ultrasound can help doctors see:
- Nodules that have features indicating cancer
- Benign nodules (nodules that aren't cancerous)
- Nodules that are too small to feel
- Whether a nodule is growing or staying the same over time
Using ultrasound, our endocrinologists and radiologists determine whether they need to do more testing of the nodule. Our experts use the American College of Radiology's Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) to assign a score to nodules.
Every thyroid nodule receives a score of 1 (no evidence of cancer) to 5 (highly concerning for cancer), depending on how it looks on ultrasound. We look at the nodule's edges (margin), consistency, shape and other features to determine its score.
You can count on the expertise of our thyroid ultrasound specialists. With TI-RADS, we do tests only on nodules with scores indicating that they pose a risk of cancer. For you, this means no unnecessary testing and greater peace of mind.
Thyroid Biopsy
Depending on your ultrasound results, we may recommend a thyroid nodule biopsy. We take a small sample of the nodule and examine it under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Our specialists use fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to collect cell samples. A Penn Medicine pathologist examines the cells and immediately discusses with your doctor if more testing is necessary to assess the risk of cancer.
Special Testing
When our experts confirm thyroid cancer, we may do additional testing to develop treatment plans. These special tests include:
- Molecular testing: We take samples of thyroid cancer cells to learn more about their genes. Our experts use what they learn about a tumor's genetic changes to develop personalized systemic therapy treatments for advanced thyroid cancer.
- Radioiodine scan: Experts either inject or have you swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine. Your thyroid gland — and any thyroid cells in your body — absorb this material and make cells visible during an imaging test. We may use radioiodine testing to see if thyroid cancer has spread.
Intraoperative Ultrasound Technology
After diagnosis, Penn Medicine cancer specialists may recommend surgery for thyroid cancer. If needed, we can use ultrasound during the surgery to help ensure that all cancerous tissue has been removed.
Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer: The Penn Medicine Advantage
The thyroid cancer program at the Abramson Cancer Center brings together thyroid experts from across Penn Medicine. Program highlights include:
- Skilled providers: Our experienced radiologists have extra education and years of experience in interpreting imaging test (ultrasound) results. Our expertise ensures we don't recommend testing that isn't needed. Meet our thyroid cancer care team.
- Rapid results: Penn Medicine thyroid specialists collaborate during thyroid cancer screening and testing to get the answers you need quickly. Pathologists — doctors who examine tissue samples (biopsies) — stay onsite during testing to share immediate preliminary results with your doctor and ensure all necessary testing is done at the time of biopsy.
- Personalized treatment: We take what we learn from your test results and develop the right treatment plan for your specific needs. You can count on our specialists to provide excellent clinical care that supports the best possible treatment outcomes. Learn more about thyroid cancer treatment.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.