Understanding Thyroid Cancer

What is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, a small gland in the neck that helps control your body’s energy and metabolism. Some thyroid cancers grow slowly, while others grow quickly. Thyroid cancer can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, like lymph nodes or lungs. This spreading is called metastasis.

Symptoms to Watch For

Call your doctor or nurse if you notice:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
  

• Unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or sudden swelling
  
  

• Fever, infections, or changes in appetite or weight
  
  

• Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or changes in breathing
  
  

Tip: Keep a daily log of your symptoms. Write down what you notice and when it happens.

Treatment Overview

Your doctor may recommend one or more treatments:

• Surgery: Remove part or all of the thyroid
  
  

• Radiation: High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells
  
  

• Chemotherapy: Medicine to kill cancer cells (less common in thyroid cancer)
  
  

• Hormone Therapy or Immunotherapy: Medicine that helps control hormone levels or boost the immune system
  
  

Possible side effects:

• Nausea, tiredness, mouth sores, skin or hair changes
  
  

• Increased risk of infections if your immune system is weak
  
  

Tips for home care:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
  
  

• Watch for signs of infection like fever, redness, or swelling
  
  

Nutrition and Hydration

Eating well helps your body recover:

• Choose foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories
  
  

• Eat small meals often if you feel nauseated or have a low appetite
  
  

• Drink plenty of fluids and watch for dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)
  
  

Activity and Safety

• Walk or stretch gently if you feel able
  
  

• Rest often and pace your activities
  
  

• Take care to prevent falls, especially if you feel weak or dizzy
  
  

Infection Prevention

• Wash your hands often
  
  

• Avoid large crowds if your immune system is low
  
  

• Call your doctor right away if you notice fever, redness, or swelling
  
  

Emotional and Mental Health

• Feeling stressed, scared, or sad is normal
  
  

• Talk to your family, friends, or caregivers
  
  

• Ask your nurse or doctor for support groups, counseling, or spiritual support
  
  

Follow-Up and Self-Care

• Keep all doctor appointments, lab work, and scans
  
  

• Check your body for changes if appropriate (skin, mouth, or other areas)
  
  

• Call your nurse or go to the ER for red-flag symptoms, like:
  
  

  • Chest pain
    
    

  • Sudden swelling
    
    

  • Shortness of breath
    
    

  • Uncontrolled bleeding
    
    

Patient Empowerment

• Ask questions: “What changes should I call my nurse about?”
  
  

• Use written instructions or visual aids to remember important care steps
  
  

• Trusted resources:
  
  

  • American Cancer Society
    
    

  • National Cancer Institute
    
    

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Choose TRUE or FALSE for each statement.

1. TRUE or FALSE: Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland.
   
   

2. TRUE or FALSE: Thyroid cancer can spread to other parts of the body.
   
   

3. TRUE or FALSE: Slow-growing thyroid cancer is never serious.
   
   

4. TRUE or FALSE: A lump or swelling in the neck can be a symptom of thyroid cancer.
   
   

5. TRUE or FALSE: Unusual bleeding should be reported immediately.
   
   

6. TRUE or FALSE: Fever and infections can occur during thyroid cancer treatment.
   
   

7. TRUE or FALSE: Keeping a daily symptom log is helpful for your care team.
   
   

8. TRUE or FALSE: Surgery can remove part or all of the thyroid.
   
   

9. TRUE or FALSE: Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
   
   

10. TRUE or FALSE: Skipping medications is safe if you feel better.
    
    

11. TRUE or FALSE: Eating foods high in protein can help your body recover.
    
    

12. TRUE or FALSE: Small, frequent meals can help if you have low appetite.
    
    

13. TRUE or FALSE: Staying hydrated is important during thyroid cancer treatment.
    
    

14. TRUE or FALSE: Gentle exercise can help maintain strength and reduce fatigue.
    
    

15. TRUE or FALSE: Washing your hands regularly can prevent infections.
    
    

16. TRUE or FALSE: Feeling scared or stressed during cancer treatment is normal.
    
    

17. TRUE or FALSE: You should avoid asking your nurse questions to not bother them.
    
    

18. TRUE or FALSE: Chest pain, shortness of breath, or uncontrolled bleeding should be reported immediately.
    
    

19. TRUE or FALSE: Follow-up appointments, lab work, and scans are not important after thyroid cancer treatment.
    
    

20. TRUE or FALSE: Resources like the American Cancer Society provide reliable information about thyroid cancer.
    
    

Answer Key with Explanations

1. TRUE – Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland.
   
   

2. TRUE – Thyroid cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes or lungs.
   
   

3. FALSE – Even slow-growing thyroid cancer can be serious and needs treatment.
   
   

4. TRUE – A lump or swelling in the neck can be a warning sign.
   
   

5. TRUE – Unusual bleeding is a red-flag symptom and should be reported.
   
   

6. TRUE – Fever and infections can occur, especially if the immune system is weak.
   
   

7. TRUE – A symptom log helps your care team track changes.
   
   

8. TRUE – Surgery can remove part or all of the thyroid.
   
   

9. TRUE – Radiation uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells.
   
   

10. FALSE – Skipping medications can make cancer harder to treat.
    
    

11. TRUE – Protein-rich foods help your body heal and recover.
    
    

12. TRUE – Small, frequent meals help when appetite is low.
    
    

13. TRUE – Staying hydrated is essential during treatment.
    
    

14. TRUE – Gentle exercise helps maintain strength and reduce fatigue.
    
    

15. TRUE – Handwashing reduces your risk of infection.
    
    

16. TRUE – Emotional stress is normal; support is available.
    
    

17. FALSE – Always ask questions; your nurse expects and welcomes them.
    
    

18. TRUE – These are emergency symptoms that need immediate attention.
    
    

19. FALSE – Follow-up care is critical to monitor progress and catch problems early.
    
    

20. TRUE – Organizations like ACS provide trusted information and support.

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911