Thyroid Cancer

Overview

Located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple, the thyroid gland is divided into two lobes connected by a narrow bridge of tissue. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.

Two main types of thyroid cells can become cancerous (malignant): follicle cells which produce and store thyroid hormones, and C cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that may be elevated if a tumor is present.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic is internationally known for the treatment of thyroid problems, including cancer. Doctors at Mayo Clinic see more than 2,000 people with thyroid cancer each year.
• Teamwork. The integrated nature of Mayo Clinic's practice makes it easy for specialists to work together to develop the best treatment plan for you.
• Advanced technology. Mayo uses the latest technology, including state-of-the-art imaging, electronic monitoring of the laryngeal nerves and robotic thyroid surgery.
• Efficiency. In Mayo's efficient system, testing, diagnosis and the start of treatment can usually begin in days, not months.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about thyroid cancer.