Thyroid Cancer

Question 1

Define thyroid cancer.

Answer 1

Cancer of the thyroid gland. Four types account for more than 98% of thyroid malignancies: papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and medullary.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of thyroid cancer.

Answer 2

Head and neck irradiation
Female sex

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of thyroid cancer.

Answer 3

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrinological malignancy and is more common in women than in men. Thyroid cancer is notable in that rates of new thyroid cancer cases have been rising over the past few decades.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of thyroid cancer. Recognise the signs of thyroid cancer on physical examination.

Answer 4

Palpable thyroid nodule
Early adulthood
Hoarseness
Dyspnoea
Dysphagia
Tracheal deviation
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Rapid neck enlargement

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for thyroid cancer and interpret the results.

Answer 5

TSH
Fine-needle biopsy
Ultrasound, neck
Laryngoscopy