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Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. 

In the Netherlands, about 700 people get a form of thyroid cancer every year. There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, anaplastic and medullary. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers (80-90% of all thyroid cancers) are very successful treatable.

On this page you can read more about our expertise, the symptoms, the most commonly used examinations, treatment options and the treatment team for thyroid cancer.

Schildklierkanker

Expertise

Thyroid cancer is rare. At the NKI, our specialists specialise in the treatment of thyroid cancer. The NKI is an expertise centre for thyroid cancer.
Read more

Learn more about thyroid cancer

Causes of thyroid cancer

The cause of thyroid cancer is not known. We do know what the risk factors are. For example, radiation to the neck, especially at a young age. In some people, thyroid cancer runs in the family. When treating thyroid cancer, we try to spare the organ as much as possible.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

Symptoms and complaints in thyroid cancer are:

  • A lump or swelling in the neck that moves when you swallow
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • You feel a growth in your neck, sometimes it hurts

Most people with thyroid cancer have no signs or symptoms.

Metastases of thyroid cancer

Fortunately, the chance that thyroid cancer will spread through the body is small. We call this metastatic thyroid cancer, or metastases. There are several treatments for metastatic thyroid cancer. Which treatment you receive depends on the location and size of the metastasis.

That is why the NKI:

  • Expertise

    The NKI has a lot of expertise in the field of thyroid cancer and a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

  • Research and care

    Research and care under one roof, so that you are always treated according to the latest insights, with the possibility of new treatments in a study context.

  • All treatment options

    All possible treatment options are offered at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

  • Cooperation

    Intensive collaboration with UMC Utrecht (joint consultation and collaboration with the endocrinologists).

  • Supportive care

    A lot of attention is paid to supportive care within our Center for Quality of Life, such as psychological help and dietetics.

  • Rapid diagnostics

    In the NKI there is a special rapid diagnostics outpatient clinic, where we try to organize the diagnosis and treatment advice within 1 day. Your GP can refer you to this rapid diagnostics outpatient clinic.

Research and diagnosis in thyroid cancer

To diagnose thyroid cancer, the following tests are performed:

Echografie

Ultrasound
Punctie zoom

Liquid biopsy
Bloedbuisjes

Blood tests
Nucleaire geneeskunde pet

PET/CT scan

Tumor markers

Thyroid Cancer Treatments

The treatment you receive for thyroid cancer depends on the type of tumour. Your health and fitness also play a role. The doctor will explain well in advance what is going to happen and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. You will receive one or more of the following treatments. If the cancer is still small, we can also check the tumor instead of treating it.

Surgery for thyroid cancer

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Treatment team

The treatment team is composed of surgeons, internists (medical oncologists), nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. Our specialists specialise in thyroid cancer and they have a weekly multidisciplinary meeting. This will discuss your situation on the basis of your results and medical data, and it will be determined which treatment is best for you. Your own doctor will then discuss the options with you. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, you are an equal discussion partner and you help decide on your own treatment.

Surgeons

Internists

Nuclear medicine physicians

Pathologists

Radiologists

Radiation oncologists

Nurse specialists

Clinical Trials

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we are always looking for new treatments. We therefore conduct research in studies to see what is possible. Whether you can participate in such a study depends on many things. Do you have any questions about this? Please feel free to contact your doctor or nurse specialist.

Waiting

We want to inform you as well as possible about the waiting time per condition. We do this based on a prognosis of the current waiting list. The waiting time can vary from patient to patient for various reasons. Your attending physician will give you more information during your outpatient consultation.

  • 11 days

    First appointment

    Your first appointment will be planned within approximately 17 days.

  • 17 days

    First appointment

    It will take approximately 17 days before you can come in for a second opinion

Read more about making an appointment and second opinion

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer

Disclaimer

This translation was generated automatically based on information in Dutch. It has not been reviewed by a medical specialist. The purpose of this translation is to make our information accessible to non-Dutch speakers. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your treating physician. The Netherlands Cancer Institute cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation. For medical questions or advice, please consult your physician.

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