# What is thyroid cancer?

> A short introductory article explaining, in plain language, the thyroid gland, what it does and how thyroid cancer develops. You can start the series here.

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-is-thyroid-cancer/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Thyroid](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#thyroid)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram The thyroid sits at the front of the lower neck, in front of the windpipe; a nodule is a contained growth within the gland.

Thyroid cancer arises in the cells of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the middle of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.

Thyroid cancers are common in Türkiye, and their incidence is rising steadily. The rise is thought to be because new technology has made it easier to diagnose small thyroid cancers that could not be detected in the past. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be treated with surgery.

[Read more in Treatment areasThyroid Cancer](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/thyroid/thyroid-cancer/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thyroid-cancer/)
- [Causes and risk factors of thyroid cancer](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/causes-of-thyroid-cancer/)
- [Treatments for thyroid cancer](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-cancer-treatments/)
- [Thyroid ultrasound](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-ultrasound/)

[All articles](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/)

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