A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of thyroid cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include:

•       physical examination and patient history

•       blood tests to check thyroid and other hormone levels and help identify non-cancerous thyroid conditions[1]

•       imaging tests of the thyroid, which may include ultrasound scan, computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan[2]

•       nuclear medicine imaging such as a radioiodine scan, which involves taking a weak radioactive substance to show any abnormalities clearly

•       internal examination of the voicebox using a laryngoscope – a thin tube with a light on the end of it

•       removal of a small piece of tissue from the thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.

There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just thyroid cancer. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor.