Thyroid Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Have you ever felt a small lump in your neck and wondered what it could be? Or maybe you’ve heard the term “thyroid tumor” and thought, “What does that really mean?”

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It may be tiny, but don’t underestimate its power. This little gland produces hormones primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolism.

Essentially, the thyroid is like the thermostat of your body, managing your energy usage, heartbeat, body temperature, and more. When the thyroid functions properly, you feel energetic, focused, and healthy.

What is a Thyroid Tumor?

Sometimes, abnormal growths can develop in the thyroid gland. These growths are called thyroid tumors. Some are benign (noncancerous) and harmless, while others are malignant (cancerous) and require medical treatment. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for timely diagnosis and better health outcomes.

How Common is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is one of the more common cancers, particularly among women. It is the 8th most common cancer in women, with about 1,100 new cases diagnosed annually. Women are about three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer.

The number of cases has risen over the years, partly due to improved cancer screening in Singapore, where advanced imaging and early detection methods identify smaller tumors at earlier stages. Most cases occur in people under 60, with papillary thyroid cancer being the most common type.  Despite the rising number of cases, the death rate from thyroid cancer in Singapore has remained low thanks to effective care from oncologists in Singapore and modern therapies.

What Are The Types Of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid tumors are classified based on the type of cells involved, their behavior, and molecular characteristics. Healthcare providers classify thyroid cancer based on the type of cells from which the cancer grows. The main types include:

• Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most common type, accounting for about 80% of thyroid cancers. It usually grows slowly and often responds well to treatment.

• Follicular Thyroid Cancer: The second most common type, more aggressive than papillary, and can spread to the lungs or bones.

• Oncocytic (Hurthle Cell) Thyroid Cancer: A rare variant that can be benign or cancerous, with some potential to spread.

• Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Develops from C cells, sometimes related to inherited genetic syndromes.

• Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A rare but very aggressive cancer that grows quickly and spreads rapidly.

Additionally, there are benign tumors like thyroid adenomas, which generally don't spread and may only require monitoring or surgery if symptomatic.

Symptoms of Thyroid Tumor

When it comes to thyroid tumors, knowing the warning signs and what causes them can help you stay informed and take action early if needed. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Common Warning Signs

You or your doctor might feel a lump or nodule in your neck, near the thyroid gland. This lump is called a thyroid nodule. Don’t worry too much if you find one because most thyroid nodules are benign (not cancer). In fact, only about 3 out of 20 nodules turn out to be cancerous.

Other signs that might point to thyroid cancer include:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing

• A hoarse or changing voice

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck area

Signs That Thyroid Cancer May Have Spread

If thyroid cancer spreads to other parts of the body, you might notice:

• Feeling very tired

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Unexplained weight loss

These signs mean the cancer might have moved beyond the thyroid to organs like the lungs or bones. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to consult a cancer doctor in Singapore for timely evaluation.

Causes of Thyroid Tumor

Thyroid tumors develop due to abnormal cell growth, but the exact cause is often unclear. Some key risk factors include:

• Radiation Exposure: Especially to the head or neck during childhood.

• Genetics and Family History: Certain hereditary conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), increase the risk. In such cases, doctors may recommend a cancer marker test in Singapore for early detection.

• Iodine Levels: Both deficiency and excess iodine in the diet can affect thyroid health.

• Age and Gender: More common in adults aged 25 to 65 and more frequent in women.

• Other Factors: Obesity and hormonal imbalances may also play a role.

  
  

How Is Thyroid Disease Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects thyroid problems, such as swelling in the neck or lumps in the gland, they may suggest a few tests:

Blood Tests

These check thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, and sometimes T3).

High TSH + low thyroid hormones = underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Low TSH + high thyroid hormones = overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)

If there’s a lump, a thin needle is used to take a small cell sample, which is checked under a microscope for cancer. Ultrasound is often used to guide this test.

Sentinel node biopsy: Done if cancer is suspected, to see if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound shows the size, shape, and features of nodules.

A radioiodine scan uses a safe dose of radioactive iodine to see how the thyroid is working and whether cancer has spread.

CT or PET scans may be used to check if cancer has spread outside the thyroid.

In many cases, diagnosis is confirmed at a cancer clinic in Singapore, where advanced tools make detection accurate and efficient. These tests together help doctors understand thyroid health and decide the right treatment.

How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. Common options include:

• Surgery: The main treatment. Doctors may remove part of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the entire gland (thyroidectomy). If cancer has spread, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. Many patients prefer treatment at the best cancer hospital in Singapore for comprehensive care.

• Radioiodine Therapy: A higher dose of radioactive iodine is given after surgery to destroy any remaining thyroid cells or cancer cells.

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. This can be external or internal, depending on the case.

• Chemotherapy: Rarely used but may be needed for aggressive thyroid cancers.

• Hormone Therapy: Prescribed to replace missing thyroid hormones and help prevent cancer recurrence.

Every cancer treatment plan is tailored to the patient. For advanced cases, referrals to Singapore cancer specialists ensure patients have access to the latest therapies and clinical trials.

Prognosis and Follow-Up Care At ARDEN JR Surgery

Thyroid tumors usually have an excellent outlook, especially papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, which respond well to treatment when detected early. Many patients recover fully and continue to live healthy lives.

At Arden JR Surgery, follow-up care is part of ensuring long-term success. Regular checkups, blood tests, and imaging help:

• Confirm the cancer has not returned

• Track thyroid hormone levels

• Manage any long-term effects of treatment

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of thyroid tumors empowers you to seek timely care. While many thyroid tumors are harmless, even thyroid cancers are often highly treatable with early diagnosis.

If you find a lump in your neck or experience thyroid-related symptoms, don’t delay. The team at Arden JR Surgery, including experienced endocrinologists and oncologists, is here to guide you every step of the way.