UVM Medical Center - Facility Exterior

ENT - Main Campus

 (802) 847-8198

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, West Pavilion, Level 4
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Have a question?

Our Nurse Navigators and American Cancer Society Patient Navigator are here Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm to answer your questions. Give us a call.

802-847-8400

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, located in the front part of your neck. Thyroid cancer treatments must be highly individualized for your specific needs, so it is important to receive care from dedicated practitioners who can offer you the full spectrum of treatment.

The thyroid gland has two types of cells. One type (follicular cells) is responsible for helping regulate your metabolism, and the other (C cells) controls how your body uses calcium. Different types of cancer develop from each cell. The type of cancer you have will affect your treatment plan.

Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Why Choose Us?

At the University of Vermont Cancer Center, our expert team works together to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. At our center, you will find:

  • Expert diagnosis: Our dedicated pathologists have extensive training in diagnosing thyroid cancer. We get you an accurate diagnosis, including specific information about the tumor, so we can plan the most effective treatment for you.
  • High volume: Our experienced cancer surgeons perform more than 100 thyroid cancer surgeries every year. Research has shown that a high volume such as this leads to better results and fewer complications.
  • Individualized treatment: Your treatment plan will reflect your unique situation, type of cancer and your personal preferences. Our team has the skills and resources to choose the treatment option that will offer you the most effective long-term outcome.
  • Collaborative care: We work closely with our endocrinology team to ensure each patient receives the care and treatment he or she needs. In addition, our experts in medical oncology and radiation oncology help us plan and deliver your treatment.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

Often, the first noticeable sign of thyroid cancer is a lump on your neck. You or your doctor may notice the lump, or your doctor may detect it during an imaging scan for another condition.

In some cases, people with thyroid cancer may have normal thyroid function and not experience symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism.

Signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

  • Swelling in the neck
  • Neck pain
  • Hoarseness or other unexplained changes in your voice
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • A chronic cough

Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

The symptoms you experience may not be due to cancer—they may be due to other conditions or to a benign (noncancerous) thyroid tumor. However, it is important to see a doctor for an expert diagnosis. The earlier we diagnose cancer, the more successfully we can treat it. Our team has years of experience providing accurate, careful diagnosis for patients. 

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

There are many treatment options for thyroid cancer, depending on the type of cancer you have, how severe it is and your personal preferences. Treatments include surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. 

Christopher J. Anker, MD
Radiation Oncology
Maura M. Barry, MD
Hematology
Medical Oncology
Havaleh M. Gagne, MD
Radiation Oncology
Carl J. Nelson, MD
Radiation Oncology

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Cancer Center - Patient Guide