Diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be made by biopsy. This is a procedure where cells are taken with a fine needle from a thyroid nodule then the sample is sent to pathology/laboratory for examination.
Despite extensive research, there is no single blood test that can accurately detect or diagnose thyroid cancer. The usual thyroid function tests are almost always normal in patients with thyroid cancer. Therefore, normal thyroid blood tests do not rule out thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is capable of spreading beyond the thyroid area. However, most patients have the cancer cells contain within the thyroid at the time of diagnosis.
Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but the risk peaks earlier for women (who are most often in their 40s or 50s when diagnosed) than for men.
Thyroid cancer is a very treatable form of cancer. The success rate is very high. However, no form of cancer should be taken lightly. Early detection is key as well as working with your endocrinologist closely on treatment options.