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Thyroid cancer - papillary carcinoma

Alternative Names: Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid Symptoms: Thyroid cancer usually begins as a small bump (nodule) in the thyroid gland. However, it should be emphasized that most thyroid bumps are harmless and noncancerous (benign). Signs and tests: Text Continues Below If you have a lump on your thyroid, your doctor will order blood tests and an ultrasound  of the thyroid gland.  If the ultrasound shows that the lump is bigger than 1.0 centimeters, a special biopsy called a fine needle aspiration   (FNA) will be performed. This test determines if the lump is cancerous or benign. Thyroid function tests are usually normal in patients with thyroid cancer. References: Larsen PR, Kronberg HM, Schlomo M, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 10th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2003:469-473. Hemminki K. Familial risks for nonmedullary thyroid cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005; 90(10): 5747-53. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2005:1177-1180.

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