If your doctor suspects you have thyroid cancer, your doctor will feel your neck to check for any swelling or lumps (often called nodules). If you have a lump in or near the thyroid, you will usually have one or more of the following tests to check if it is cancerous. You may also have tests to see whether it has spread. You may not have all of the tests described in this section.
Waiting for test results can be an anxious time, and it may help to talk to a supportive friend, relative or health professional about how you are feeling. You can also call 13 11 20 for more information and support.
Learn more about:
Some people say that thyroid cancer is a good cancer to get. I know that their hearts are in the right place, and yes, it is a “good” cancer because the remission rate is pretty high, but it’s still cancer. The diagnosis has reminded me to appreciate the small things in life. It’s really now just part of my life.
Jen
→ READ MORE: Tests for thyroid cancer
Podcast: Tests and Cancer
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
A/Prof Diana Learoyd, Endocrinologist, GenesisCare North Shore, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW; Emeritus Professor Leigh Delbridge AM, The University of Sydney, Thyroid Surgeon, The Mater and North Shore Private Hospitals, NSW; Prof Ruta Gupta, Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; Susan Leonard, Cancer Nurse Coordinator Thyroid and Brachytherapy, Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Dr Dean Lisewski, Endocrine and General Surgeon, Fiona Stanley Hospital and St John of God Hospital, Murdoch, WA; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Jonathan Park, Consumer; A/Prof David Pattison, Deputy Director and Senior Staff Specialist, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Specialised PET Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Queensland, QLD; Prof Bruce Robinson, Endocrinologist, Co-Head, Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Marissa Ryan, Team Leader (Cancer) Pharmacist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Ask a health professional or someone who’s been there, or find a support group or forum
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
Patient rights and responsibilities
What you can reasonably expect from your health care providers