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Thyroid cancer - papillary carcinoma |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid |
| Symptoms: |
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Thyroid cancer usually begins as a nodule (small lump or bump) in the thyroid gland. The diagnosis is made by fine-needle aspiration. However, it should be emphasized that most thyroid nodules (90%) are benign (harmless and noncancerous). |
| Signs and tests: |
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A thyroid nodule should be evaluated by blood work and a thyroid ultrasound. Any nodule which is greater that 1.0 cm on ultrasound should be further evaluated with fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA is used to determine if a nodule in the thyroid gland is cancerous or benign. A needle is inserted into the nodule, and a small amount of tissue is taken into the needle. The procedure can be done in the office or with ultrasound guidance. Thyroid function tests are usually normal in patients with thyroid cancer. |
Endocrine glands |
Thyroid cancer - CT scan |
Thyroid cancer - CT scan |
Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan |
Thyroid gland |
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