Learn About Thyroid Cancer
Diagnosis
Some patients first become aware of a thyroid nodule when a family member or healthcare provider notices a lump on their neck. In other instances,
thyroid nodules are incidentally found when receiving a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to evaluate another medical condition.
Our endocrinology team will begin by thoroughly evaluating the patients nodule to determine if it is cancerous. At U-M, we use the latest thyroid ultrasound techniques, which provide physicians with a precise method for identifying nodules, determining if they are cancerous, and gathering important information for long-term follow-up. Other testing may include lab work and obtaining a tissue sample from the nodule to biopsy, a procedure known as fine needle aspiration. To make your visit more efficient and convenient, we may perform both an ultrasound and biopsy at your initial visit. U-M endocrine surgeons perform their own thyroid ultrasounds, allowing them to gather necessary information to formulate a specific plan for surgery, if needed.
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