Thyroid function tests are usually normal. Risk factors are radiation therapy to the head or neck and being over 40. The incidence is higher among women. Other types of thyroid cancer are anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid , follicular tumor of the thyroid , medullary carcinoma of thyroid , thyroid lymphoma , and metastatic thyroid cancer. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people.
Papillary carcinoma is rare in children.
A physical examination reveals enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid reveals single or multiple nodules . A thyroid biopsy shows papillary carcinoma cells. An ultrasound of the thyroid reveals a nodule. Radiation therapy with radioactive iodine may follow surgery.