# Papillary Thyroid Cancer > The features, symptoms, diagnosis, surgical treatment and follow-up of papillary cancer, the most common type of thyroid cancer. Source: https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/thyroid/papillary-thyroid-cancer/ Updated: 2026-10-29 Treatment area: [Thyroid](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/thyroid/) The features, symptoms, diagnosis, surgical treatment and follow-up of papillary cancer, the most common type of thyroid cancer. Medically reviewed by [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/about/) · 5 October 2026 Diagram A neck or thyroid ultrasound uses a probe placed on the front of the neck; it involves no radiation. Papillary thyroid cancer arises from the hormone-producing follicular cells of the thyroid gland and is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It usually grows slowly, may cause no symptoms for a long time, and in most patients presents as a nodule found on ultrasound. With appropriate treatment its course is usually favourable.1 ## What is papillary thyroid cancer? It takes its name from the finger-like (papillary) arrangements of cells seen under the microscope. It can occur at any age but is more common in young and middle-aged adults, particularly women. It may be a single focus within the thyroid, or there may be several foci in both lobes of the gland (multifocal). Its most characteristic feature is a tendency to spread first to the lymph nodes of the neck; even when lymph nodes are involved, the disease can usually be brought under control. Besides the classic type, there are subtypes such as the follicular variant and the tall-cell variant; some subtypes may behave a little less favourably, which can affect the treatment plan. Very small tumours are called “papillary microcarcinoma” and usually have a favourable course.1,2 ## Symptoms - A firm swelling at the front of the neck that does not hurt - An enlarged lymph node at the side of the neck; sometimes this is the first and only finding - In advanced cases, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing - Most often it causes no symptoms and is found by chance ## Diagnosis Ultrasound assesses the suspicious features of the nodule (such as irregular margins, tiny calcifications, or being taller than it is wide) and the lymph nodes of the neck. The definitive diagnosis is made by fine-needle aspiration biopsy; papillary cancer cells have a fairly typical appearance under the microscope. The whole neck is scanned with ultrasound before surgery so that any lymph node involvement can be included in the planning.2,3 ## Treatment The main treatment is surgery. For small, single-focus tumours confined to the gland, removing only the affected lobe (lobectomy) may be enough; for larger, multifocal tumours or those with lymph node involvement, the whole gland is removed (total [thyroidectomy](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/thyroid/thyroid-surgery-and-aftercare/)) and the lymph nodes of the neck are cleared when necessary. After surgery, radioactive iodine treatment may be given to patients at risk of recurrence; in low-risk patients it may not be needed. When the whole gland is removed, thyroid hormone medication is started. For very small microcarcinomas without suspicious features, active monitoring with ultrasound instead of surgery may also be an option in selected patients. ## After surgery and follow-up Follow-up uses neck ultrasound and the thyroglobulin level in the blood; because thyroglobulin is a protein produced by thyroid tissue, it is monitored as a marker of disease in patients whose whole gland has been removed. Follow-up continues for years but becomes less frequent over time. If a recurrence is found, treatment with further surgery or radioactive iodine is usually possible.2,3 ## When should you see a doctor? If you notice a new swelling or lymph node in your neck, if a known nodule is growing, or if your hoarseness has not gone away for a few weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor. ## Frequently asked questions **Is papillary thyroid cancer dangerous?** It is one of the thyroid cancers with the most favourable course. It grows slowly and its treatment is mainly surgical; the course depends on the features and stage of the tumour. **Does spread to the neck lymph nodes change treatment?** Yes. In that case removal of the whole thyroid together with the involved lymph nodes, followed by radioactive iodine treatment, may be planned. **Is the whole thyroid removed in every papillary cancer?** No. For small, single-focus tumours confined to the gland, removing only the affected lobe may be enough; the decision depends on the features of the tumour. ## Related articles - [Thyroid ultrasound What a thyroid ultrasound is, how it is done, what it can and cannot show, how nodules are graded, when a needle sample is taken and what happens afterwards.](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/blog/thyroid-ultrasound/) ## References 1. Cancer Research UK. Types of thyroid cancer \[Internet\]. London: Cancer Research UK; \[reviewed 2023 Oct 20; cited 2026 Oct 5\]. Available from: [cancerresearchuk.org](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/thyroid-cancer/stages-types/types) ↩ 2. Mitchell AL, Gandhi A, Scott-Coombes D, Perros P. Management of thyroid cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130(S2):S150-S160. [doi:10.1017/S0022215116000578](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215116000578) ↩ 3. Haugen BR, Alexander EK, Bible KC, Doherty GM, Mandel SJ, Nikiforov YE, et al. 2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2016;26(1):1-133. [doi:10.1089/thy.2015.0020](https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2015.0020) ↩ This page is general information. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment are made for you personally, and only after an examination. If you have symptoms, see a doctor. Appointments and contact [Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905358113949?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment.) Contact ## Appointments and contact The practice is at Selenium Plaza in Fulya, Beşiktaş. Appointments are made by WhatsApp or by phone. 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