Thyroid cancer

The thyroid is a small gland in the front, lower part of your neck. It makes and releases hormones that help with things like your digestion, muscles and heart.

Thyroid cancer is quite rare and only around 3,900 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. It’s more common in women than in men.

Most patients are referred for specialist investigation by their GP after discovering a lump in their neck. Others may have undergone a scan for another reason, which identified a lump in the neck.

How serious your cancer is will depend on the type, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.