What is the tumor marker for thyroid?

Thyroglobulin is a protein made by cells in the thyroid. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near the throat. A thyroglobulin test is mostly used as a tumor marker test to help guide thyroid cancer treatment.

What is the most common type of thyroid malignancy?

Papillary thyroid cancer. This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It can happen at any age, but it most often affects people ages 30 to 50. Most papillary thyroid cancers are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.

What is malignancy in thyroid nodules?

Thyroid Cancers. Five to 10 percent of thyroid nodules are malignant, or cancerous, although most cause no symptoms. Rarely, they may cause neck swelling, pain, swallowing problems, shortness of breath, or changes in the sound of your voice as they grow. There are several types of thyroid cancer.

Which lymph nodes does thyroid cancer spread to?

Thyroid cancer can commonly spread to the lymph nodes of the neck, though (especially with papillary thyroid cancer) this may not carry a worse outcome. The lymph nodes commonly involved in thyroid cancer are those found in the front of the neck, called the cervical or jugular lymph node chains.

What will a thyroid biopsy show?

Thyroid biopsy is used to find the cause of a nodule in the thyroid gland. When your doctor finds a nodule, they may order imaging tests to help determine if it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If imaging exams cannot clearly define the abnormality, a biopsy may be necessary.

What are the characteristics of a cancerous thyroid nodule?

Ultrasound can detect the presence, site, size, and number of thyroid nodules, and there have been reports of US characteristics of malignancy, such as ill-defined margin, irregular shape, hypoechogenicity, heterogeneity, absence of cystic lesion and/or the halo sign, the presence of calcification, and invasion to …

Can you tell if a thyroid nodule is cancerous from an ultrasound?

The vast majority — more than 95% — of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous). If concern arises about the possibility of cancer, the doctor may simply recommend monitoring the nodule over time to see if it grows. Ultrasound can help evaluate a thyroid nodule and determine the need for biopsy.

Do thyroid nodules cause weight gain?

Most people who have thyroid nodules lead a normal life. You might need to check in with your doctor more often, but there usually are no complications. If you do have complications, they can include problems swallowing or breathing. You may also sustain significant weight gain or weight loss.