Some genetic factors may play a role in development of thyroid cancer. Individuals with Gardner's Syndrome or Cowden's Disease are at higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. A higher incidence of this cancer is seen among residents or regions nearby active Volcanoes, in Hawaii, Philippines, Colombia, etc. Most cases are diagnosed during work up of a thyroid lump . Since this gland is located near the skin, any lump or abnormalities in this gland can be detected very early.
Most patients notice a lump or swelling in their neck and seek medical advice.
At times, an examining physician may notice a lump and initiate he work up. Examination of thyroid gland should be part of any routine physical exam. In certain patient, cancer may have already spread to lymph glands in the neck. In such cases, a Fine Needle Aspiration of the node or the thyroid gland should be performed. This a fairly easy procedure.