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How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

Various tests, including physical examinations, blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsies, can be used to investigate thyroid cancer symptoms and determine a diagnosis; however, it's important to consult a doctor if experiencing these symptoms, as they may be indicative of other conditions.

A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of thyroid cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include:  

  • physical examination and patient history 
  • blood tests to check thyroid and other hormone levels and help identify non-cancerous thyroid conditions[24] 
  • imaging tests of the thyroid, which may include ultrasound scan, computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan[25] 
  • nuclear medicine imaging such as a radioiodine scan, which involves taking a weak radioactive substance to show any abnormalities clearly 
  • internal examination of the voicebox using a laryngoscope – a thin tube with a light on the end of it 
  • removal of a small piece of tissue from the thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule (biopsy) for examination under a microscope 

There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just thyroid cancer. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor. 

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