Thyroid cancer diagnosis

During the initial diagnosis and palpation of the thyroid gland, the endocrinology doctor may detect single or multiple small or large dense nodes, limited mobility of the gland, tuberosity of the surface, or enlarged lymph nodes. Since the thyroid gland is an endocrine organ, blood tests for hormones and cancer markers are essential in diagnosing malignant tumors. Patients with thyroid cancer are characterized by complaints of anemia and changes in thyroid function (increase or decrease). The doctor can make certain assumptions at this stage but require confirmation and detailing using ultrasound. It helps to estimate the size, number, and location of neoplasms, study their internal structure, and determine whether the neoplasm is a dense node or a cyst. According to the indications, chest radiography, CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) are performed. That helps to study the primary tumor better and find metastases. Finally, a fine-needle thyroid biopsy helps to detect cancer cells and establish an accurate diagnosis. The procedure is performed under the control of ultrasound and local anesthesia. The physician pierces the skin on the neck with a long thin needle, brings it to a suspicious area, and extracts a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis for the presence of cancer cells.