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Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, which is a small gland at the base of the throat.

Go to the NHS website for more information about thyroid cancer. The following charities also provide more information and support:

What to expect at your appointment

You will meet your clinician or surgeon, who will explain your care plan and the tests or investigations that you may need.

You may also meet the clinical nurse specialist who will be your key worker during your care at King’s and will support you and your family. You will be given written information about the type of cancer you have, your treatment options and other sources of support, such as King’s Macmillan Information and Support Centre.

We usually send you appointment letters for tests, investigations or treatments by post.

Tests and investigations

At your first appointment you may have one or more of the following tests or you may be asked to return at a later date to have them. They help us to find out whether you have cancer and to assess your treatment options. They include:

  • blood tests to check for the presence of tumour markers
  • fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of your thyroid
  • ultrasound scan of your thyroid/neck
  • other radiological imaging

You may already have had some of these tests prior to your appointment.

Treatments

Your care and treatment depends on the type cancer you have, its size and where it is, how far it has advanced (the stage) and your overall health. The final decision about what treatment you have is yours.

After our team of experts reviews the results of your tests and investigations, we will arrange another appointment so you can discuss your treatment options with your consultant and clinical nurse specialist.

Your treatment may include:

Who to contact

At your first appointment, we will tell you who your key worker is and how and when you can contact them. Your key worker is usually a clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

Clinical nurse specialist

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 3299 7336
Available: 8am to 5pm, Monday and Thursdays

Urgent queries

If you cannot contact your key worker or it is outside of office hours, please call the endocrine registrar on 020 3299 9000 and ask to leave a message for bleep 188.

Non-clinical support

If you have practical queries or want further information about support groups, contact the Macmillan Centre at King’s.

Our team

Your care will be provided by a group of experts called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This is a team of doctors, nurses and other health professionals specialising in treating your type of cancer. You can discuss your care with them and ask them any questions you have about your treatment.

How we support you

We want to make sure that you get all the assistance you need to live well with – and after – cancer. There’s a wide range of support available to help you cope with cancer, including physical, emotional and practical advice for you, your family, friends and carers.