What and where is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland that is at the base of your neck, just behind the small hollow where your collar bones meet. Thyroid lumps are very common, but only about one in 20 thyroid lumps are cancer. Thyroid cancer is quite rare, but more women than men are diagnosed with it. The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat, and the more likely the treatment is successful so if you notice any of these symptoms, you might want to see your GP:
- A lump at the base of your neck. Even if you have had this lump checked out before and it gets bigger it’s worthwhile seeing your doctor.
- A hoarse voice that lasts more than three weeks.
- A sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t get better.
- A lump elsewhere in your neck.
Surgery is the treatment most often used for thyroid cancer. You may have part of your thyroid removed, or you may have an operation to remove all of your thyroid. In some cases further treatment is needed.