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Thyroid cancers are relatively rare and develop from cells of the thyroid gland. Symptoms may vary, and are not unique to thyroid cancer. They include a lump in the neck that gradually increases in size, with or without pain; difficulties swallowing or breathing - this can happen occasionally as a result of the cancer pressing on the esophagus or trachea (windpipe). Diagnosis may involve the following:- Having some blood taken to check thyroid hormone levels.
- An ultrasound scan to look at the thyroid and neck and determine whether there are lots of lumps or just one, and whether the lumps are solid or filled with fluid (cysts). A single, solid lump is most likely to be cancer. An ultrasound may also be used to help find the thyroid lump during a needle biopsy.
- A needle biopsy, used to obtain a small amount of thyroid tissue, which can be looked at under a microscope. This is the only way to be sure if a lump is cancer or not.
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