Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid, located in the lower front portion of the neck, is a gland that produces thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate the body temperature, control the overall rate of metabolism and energy expenditure, and maintain normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. Thyroid cancer occurs when the thyroid cells begin reproducing at an uncontrollable rate, bunching together to form a tumour. If these cells stay within the tumour, the tumour is considered to be benign, or harmless. If, however, the cells begin to spread to other tissue, the tumour is considered malignant, or cancerous.

In patients who have thyroid cancer, CT neck scan images can reveal whether or not the cancer is spreading beyond the thyroid to other regions in the neck. These images can also help the doctor determine if the thyroid cancer has caused the lymph nodes in the neck or chest to enlarge.