Thyroid Cancer
June 15, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Sasan Fazeli, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Karen Tsai, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte.
Thyroid cancer forms when cells in the thyroid grow abnormally and crowd out healthy cells. Not all thyroid nodules are malignant (cancerous), so it’s important for patients with thyroid symptoms to see their physician, who can make a precise diagnosis.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the throat. It serves several essential functions, including producing hormones that control body temperature, weight, energy level, heart rate and more.
Approximately 44,020 people are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the U.S. in 2024. This condition affects women three times more often than men, and the average age at diagnosis is 51.
Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms, but it’s important to know the early warning signs, which may include a lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, voice changes, pain and more.
There are six primary types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, poorly differentiated, Hurthle cell (oncocytic) and anaplastic. Patients may also be diagnosed with thyroid nodules that are benign (not cancerous).
The care team may use a variety of tests during the thyroid cancer diagnosis and staging process, including a physical exam, blood tests, ultrasound, biopsy and more.
Thyroid cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. The patient’s thyroid cancer care team will work with you him or her to implement a personalized treatment plan based on the cancer subtype, stage, grade and other factors. Treatments may include a lobectomy, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, chemotherapy and more.
City of Hope is a recognized leader in thyroid cancer research. We offer access to numerous clinical trials and new therapies that are not readily available elsewhere.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step during and after thyroid cancer treatment.
Our Thyroid Cancer Expertise
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in the research and treatment of thyroid cancer. U.S. News & World Report has named City of Hope a best hospital for cancer for over a decade.
Our multidisciplinary staff uses an integrated approach to treating thyroid cancer by combining the latest research findings with outstanding patient care.
Our Thyroid Cancer Program Highlights
- Innovative, minimally invasive thyroid cancer surgical approaches that reduce side effects and recovery time.
- Highly precise radiation delivery, including radioactive iodine therapy.
- Individually customized chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy regimens.
- Clinical trials that offer promising new approaches to detect and treat thyroid cancer.
- Expert team of endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists and supportive medicine physicians.
- Molecular testing for thyroid cancer to help tailor individualized cancer treatment with targeted therapies.
- Cutting-edge thyroid imaging and diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound-guided thyroid and lymph node biopsies. Opportunity for additional molecular testing for inconclusive thyroid nodule biopsies.
- Expert team of pulmonary oncologists who have the ability to perform endobronchial ultrasound chest biopsies.
- Complete diagnostic genetic and molecular testing with a high level of accuracy and quick response times.
- Specialized pharmacy with the ability to get targeted therapy and immunotherapy required for progressive and advanced thyroid cancer diagnoses.
- Clinical trial opportunities, often providing access to new treatments not available elsewhere.
Comprehensive supportive care programs are available to you and your family through every step of your thyroid cancer journey.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, thyroid cancer treatment and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
Thyroid Cancer Care Team
Thyroid Cancer Endocrinologists
Nairi Berner, M.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism. Endocrinologist Nairi Berner, M.D., M.S., centers her approach to patient care on trust and partnership.
Endocrinologist Maria Mercedes Chang Villacreses, M.D., is determined to make a difference in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Sasan Fazeli, M.D., is an endocrinologist in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Pooja Manroa, M.D., specializes in endocrinology and uses a systematic and methodical approach to diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders.
Thyroid Cancer Radiologists
Jonathan Kessler, M.D., is a interventional radiologist specializing in colon, liver, kidney cancers.
Maria Parayno, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor in the Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Radiology.
Jason Salsamendi, M.D., is a interventional radiologist and clinical professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at City of Hope.
Lalit H. Vora, M.D., is a clinical professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology.
Thyroid Cancer Radiation Oncologists
Arya Amini, M.D., is a radiation oncologist and associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope.
Sean Maroongroge, MD, MBA, is a radiation oncologist and assistant clinical professor at City of Hope’s Duarte and Orange County campuses, where he is involved in many stages of patient care, from tumor detection through treatment and survivorship. He is an expert in treating head and neck
Sagus Sampath, M.D., Radiation Oncologist | City of Hope, Los Angeles, California.
Thyroid Cancer Pathologists
Dr. Afkhami is a professor of molecular genomic pathology and hematopathology, CLIA director of Clinical Molecular Genomics and Cytogenomics laboratory, and division chief of molecular pathology and therapy biomarkers at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Sue Chang, M.D., is a pathologist and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pathology.
Fang Fan, M.D., Ph.D., is pathologist in the Department of Pathology at City of Hope.
Min Han, M.D., Ph.D., is the assistant clinical professor, department of Pathology.
Thyroid Cancer Supportive Medicine
Jee Won Cheong, D.O., chose to specialize in palliative and supportive care medicine because of the direct impact he has on care.
Anesthesiologist Andrew T. Leitner, M.D., is chair of the Department of Supportive Care Medicine and the Arthur M. Coppola Family Chair in Supportive Care Medicine.
Thyroid Cancer Surgeons
Thomas J. Gernon, M.D., is an otolaryngologist specializing in the treatment of head and neck cancers, particularly HPV-related malignancies, at City of Hope in Duarte and South Pasadena.
Dr. Natalie Johnson is a prominent specialist in surgery for breast cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and melanoma.
As a Head and Neck and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon at City of Hope® Atlanta, Dr. Beomjune B. Kim provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with cancer and other diseases that affect the head and neck.
Ellie Maghami, M.D., is a head, neck and thyroid cancer surgeon and The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation Endowed Professor in Head and Neck Cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Medical Oncologists
Misagh Karimi, M.D., is a medical oncologist who is passionate about patient education, appearing frequently at community forums to discuss obesity, the environment and other possible risk factors for cancer.
George Bernard Semeniuk, III, M.D., is a hematologist/oncologist specializing in leukemia, lymphoma and hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Victoria M. Villaflor, M.D., is a medical oncologist and section chief of head & neck medical oncology in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, specializing in cancers of the "aerodigestive" system: head & neck cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and other malignancies.
Thyroid Cancer Precision Medicine
Joanne M. Jeter, M.D. is an Associate Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine at City of Hope, Duarte, California.