How thyroid cancer is diagnosed

If you have symptoms that may be due to a thyroid cancer, you will usually begin by seeing your GP. They will do an examination and arrange any tests which may be necessary. If your GP thinks that cancer may be present, or is not sure what the problem is, they will refer you to a hospital for specialist advice and treatment.

The doctor at the hospital will ask you about your general health and any previous medical problems, before examining you.

Blood tests

Samples of blood will be taken to check your thyroid hormone and TSH levels|. Your blood will also be tested to check your general health.

Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy

For a fine-needle aspiration or biopsy, a small needle is passed gently into the swelling in your neck. Sometimes the doctor will use an ultrasound scanner to help guide the needle to the right area. They will then take a sample of cells and examine this under a microscope to check whether there are cancer cells present.