Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

• enlargement of thyroid gland or swelling in neck

Signs and Tests:
A physical examination reveals enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid reveals single or multiple nodules .

• A thyroid biopsy shows papillary carcinoma cells.
• An ultrasound of the thyroid reveals a nodule.
• A thyroid scan shows cold nodule (an area of reduced uptake of radioactive material).

Treatment:
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland ( thyroidectomy ) is the initial treatment . Radiation therapy with radioactive iodine may follow surgery. Thyroid replacement therapy may be needed after surgery.

Prognosis:
Many papillary carcinomas are not associated with a high degree of malignancy . Many people have a normal life expectancy if a diagnosis is made early.

Complications:

• Surgical risks involve inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands, or damage to nerve tissue of the larynx, which leads to serious complications.
• Rarely, spreading of cancer to lymph nodes or through blood vessels to other sites ( metastasis ) occurs.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder occur.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have had a thyroidectomy and new symptoms develop, including muscle twitching, cramps, or changes in your voice.


The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.