The main types
- Papillary carcinoma: by far the most common, grows slowly, very good chances of cure
- Follicular carcinoma: also very treatable, often only diagnosed after surgery
- Medullary carcinoma: rare, arises from different cells, can run in families
- Anaplastic carcinoma: very rare, aggressive, needs prompt specialist treatment
The first two types together account for the overwhelming majority of cases – and they are precisely the ones with the good prognosis.
At a glance
- Frequency: rare – and with a very good prognosis for the common types
- Onset: almost always a suspicious nodule on ultrasound
- Certainty comes from: fine-needle aspiration, in some cases only from surgery
- Treatment: surgery, supplemented by radioiodine therapy depending on risk
- Follow-up care with us: thyroglobulin, ultrasound and the right TSH setting
- Appointment: book online or by phone on +43 1 5333 654
From suspicion to clarity
A suspicious ultrasound finding is not yet a diagnosis. The next step is fine-needle aspiration, which in most cases already provides clarity. If the result remains inconclusive, sometimes only the histological examination after surgery gives a definitive answer.
During this time we tell you honestly what we know and what is still open – and we do not leave you alone with the waiting. You will get appointments for the next steps promptly.
Treatment
The standard treatment is surgical removal – depending on the findings, the affected half or the entire thyroid, together with lymph nodes of the neck where necessary. We refer you to a specialised surgical department for this.
For certain findings, radioiodine therapy follows, which selectively eliminates any remaining thyroid tissue. It takes place in a nuclear medicine facility and requires an inpatient stay of a few days.
After complete removal of the thyroid, levothyroxine is needed permanently – not as a treatment for the tumour, but as a replacement for the missing organ. Depending on risk, the dose is chosen so that the TSH is somewhat lower than usual.
The pathway at a glance
Suspicious nodule
Ultrasound shows risk features
Fine-needle aspiration
Cell sampling under ultrasound guidance
Surgery
in a specialised surgical unit
Follow-up care
Lab tests, ultrasound and dose adjustment with us
Follow-up care with us
After treatment, we take over your ongoing care. This includes:
- measuring thyroglobulin as a marker for monitoring
- ultrasound of the neck region and lymph nodes
- checking and adjusting the levothyroxine dose
- checking calcium and parathyroid function, if these were affected by the surgery
The intervals depend on your risk profile and become longer over time. In the first years we see each other more often, later usually once a year.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the risk that my nodule is malignant?
Across all nodules, it is below five percent. If the ultrasound shows no risk features, it is considerably lower still. That is exactly why we do not biopsy every nodule, only the suspicious ones.
Can you feel thyroid cancer?
In the early stages usually not. Persistent hoarseness, a rapidly growing nodule or palpable lymph nodes in the neck should, however, always be investigated.
Can I live a normal life after treatment?
Yes. Once treatment is complete and your levels are well adjusted, there are generally no restrictions – work, sport, travel and also pregnancy are possible. The timing of a pregnancy should be agreed with us.