This map explains thyroid cancer step by step: what it is, the types, the tests, the stages, the treatment and its side effects.
Tap any topic on the map to read about it. Topics with an arrow open more topics.
Tap a type on the map.
Why this matters: each type has a different treatment.
About 8 out of 10. Slow growing; may spread to neck lymph nodes but is still usually cured.
Can spread through the blood to the lungs or bones. Usually cured with surgery and radioactive iodine.
Starts in the C-cells, which make calcitonin. About 1 in 4 is inherited (RET mutation, MEN2); family members should be tested. Radioactive iodine does not work.
Rare, in older adults. Grows very fast over weeks. Needs urgent testing and treatment; some have a BRAF mutation that tablets can target.
Tap a test on the map to see why it is done.
Please wait for all the reports. Why we wait
Shows the nodule's features and the lymph nodes in the neck. Helps decide which nodules need a needle test.
A thin needle takes cells from the nodule. The result is given as a Bethesda category (1 to 6); categories 5 and 6 are suspicious or cancer.
Thyroid function (TSH). For medullary cancer: calcitonin and CEA, and a test to rule out a phaeochromocytoma before surgery.
A look at the vocal cords before surgery, because the nerves to the voice box run next to the thyroid.
For large cancers, those fixed in the neck, anaplastic or medullary cancer, to check spread to the chest.
For advanced cancers: BRAF, RET and NTRK, because each has its own tablet. RET blood test for every patient with medullary cancer.
Before starting chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, these tests check that you are fit for treatment, and give a starting point to compare with later.
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| CBC (complete blood count) | Haemoglobin, white cells and platelets. Treatment can lower them. |
| RFT (kidney function) | Many medicines are cleared by the kidneys; the dose may need to change. |
| LFT (liver function) | Many medicines are processed by the liver. |
| Viral markers: HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV | Hepatitis B can flare up during treatment. If positive, a tablet is given to prevent this. |
| Blood sugar (and HbA1c if diabetic) | Steroids given with chemotherapy can raise blood sugar. |
| ECG and 2D Echo | Check the heart rhythm and pumping before treatment, as some medicines affect the heart. |
Before immunotherapy, also:
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Serum TSH (thyroid) | Immunotherapy can affect the thyroid gland. |
| Serum cortisol (morning sample) | Immunotherapy can affect the adrenal and pituitary glands. |
Sometimes needed, depending on your treatment:
Your doctor will choose the tests that apply to you. Some of them are repeated during treatment.
Age matters: under 55, thyroid cancer is only stage 1 or 2, even with lymph node spread. Doctors also use a risk of recurrence (low, intermediate, high). Tap a group on the map.
Small cancer inside the thyroid, no spread. Excellent outlook.
Spread to some neck lymph nodes, or more aggressive features under the microscope.
Grown outside the thyroid into the neck, incomplete removal, or spread to the lungs or bones.
Tap your type and situation on the map.
Side effects: surgery · radioactive iodine · thyroxine
Side effects: tablets
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Tingling or cramps after surgery, difficulty breathing or a fast-growing neck swelling, or very high blood pressure on tablets need urgent care.
This information is general. Your own treatment plan may be different. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Eaga, MD, DM (Medical Oncology). Last reviewed: 12 October 2026. Based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
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