Screening is done to find a problem and treat it early. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at high risk.
Screening Guidelines
There are no current guidelines for thyroid cancer screening. However, tests may be done for those with certain risks. This includes those with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or certain gene changes.
For those at high risk, the doctor may do:
- Tests to look for certain gene changes
- Periodic blood and urine tests to watch for hyperparathyroidism or pheochromocytoma
- Neck ultrasound
A certain gene change (RET) raises the risk of medullary thyroid cancer. A gene counselor can explain what this means. Not everyone with RET will get cancer. However, some will choose to have their thyroid removed. This will prevent thyroid cancer, but they will need pills for the rest of their life.
References
Anaplastic thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/anaplastic-thyroid-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2022.
Follicular thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/follicular-thyroid-cancer-21. Accessed April 21, 2022.
Medullary thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/medullary-thyroid-cancer Accessed April 21, 2022.
Papillary thyroid cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/papillary-thyroid-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2022.
Thyroid cancer risk factors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed April 21, 2022.
Thyroid cancer screening. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/patient/thyroid-screening-pdq. Accessed April 21, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
- Update Date: 04/21/2022