The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck that plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism. At times, it may develop swellings or lumps called thyroid nodules. While most of these nodules are non-cancerous (benign), a small percentage may be cancerous (malignant) and require prompt medical attention.
Thyroid cancer rates are rising worldwide, and it has become the 8th most common cancer among women in Singapore. This makes awareness of thyroid health and timely evaluation especially important.
How Is Thyroid Cancer Detected?
Thyroid cancer is often suspected when a lump in the neck is noticed, or when an imaging scan done for another reason shows a thyroid nodule. Doctors then carry out further checks to evaluate whether the nodule could be cancerous.
These may include:
- Physical Neck Exam: The thyroid cancer doctor will use their fingers to gently feel the neck area. They will check for any swelling, lumps or nodules on the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Ultrasound: The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to provide a detailed image of the thyroid gland. The specialist can then use this image to detect nodules, assess their characteristics and determine if they look suspicious.
- Blood Tests: These measure thyroid hormone levels. While not diagnostic for cancer, they help identify other thyroid conditions that may require treatment.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: If a nodule looks concerning, a thin needle is used to collect cells for microscopic examination. This is the key test for confirming whether cancer is present.
- Specialist Evaluation: When the results are available, the thyroid cancer specialist will review them. If cancer is detected, further tests may be recommended to determine the type and stage of the cancer and to guide treatment.
Who Should Consider Thyroid Cancer Checks?
Thyroid evaluation is generally advised for people who:
- Notice a lump in the neck or have an enlarged thyroid (goitre).
- Have a parent, sibling, or child with thyroid cancer.
- Have been exposed to radiation to the head, neck, or chest, especially during childhood.
- Develop symptoms such as persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a rapidly enlarging lump.
- Are in higher-risk groups, such as women or adults between 40 and 60 years of age.
Why Early Thyroid Cancer Detection Matters
Seeking medical advice promptly if you notice a lump or develop symptoms can make a difference. Detecting thyroid cancer when checks are needed allows:
- Timely and Effective Management: When thyroid cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage, treatment options are often more straightforward, recovery tends to be smoother, and long-term outcomes are better.
- Less Extensive Treatment: Detecting thyroid cancer before it advances can sometimes mean a smaller surgery or a less aggressive treatment approach, helping to preserve thyroid function and reduce long-term complications.
- Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Cases: For very small, slow-growing thyroid cancers, immediate surgery may not always be necessary. In carefully selected patients, active monitoring with regular check-ups and imaging allows doctors to keep a close watch while avoiding overtreatment.
- Reassurance and Clarity: Having a clear diagnosis helps reduce uncertainty and anxiety, giving confidence about the best next steps.
Prioritise Your Thyroid Health
Thyroid cancer is best detected through proper medical evaluation when there are symptoms, nodules, or risk factors. If you are concerned about your thyroid health, book a consultation with our thyroid specialist. A clear diagnosis and the right next steps can provide reassurance and guide you toward the most appropriate care.
