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Thyrogen Information for Patients and FamiliesThyrogen Information for Healthcare Providers

Getting Diagnosed

Thyroid cancer is often discovered by a doctor or other healthcare provider (HCP) who feel a lump, or nodule, on the front of the patient’s neck. Nodules are not uncommon; fortunately, only about 5% - 10% turn out to be cancerous. [1]

To confirm whether a nodule is cancerous, your doctor will probably refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the thyroid gland. The endocrinologist will usually perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy. During this procedure, a small needle is inserted through the skin into the thyroid nodule. The needle draws out a sample of the material, or tissue, inside the nodule. This sample is then examined under a microscope. These biopsies are generally quick and usually do not cause much discomfort. In addition to a biopsy, the endocrinologist may recommend blood testing to measure the level of thyroid hormone in your body, and thyroid imaging tests or scans to take a picture of your entire thyroid gland.

To learn about treatment of the disease, go to the Treatment section of this website.

REFERENCES:

1. American Thyroid Association. Available at: http://www.thyroid.org. Accessed April 30, 2008.