Thyroid cancer diagnosis
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait and see if they get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
They might refer you to an endocrinologist who is a thyroid specialist. Or a Ears Nose Throat surgeon if you have symptoms that could be due to thyroid cancer. You will see a specialist as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. These vary slightly between the different UK nations. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
Your GP should offer you an appointment to see a cancer specialist urgently if you have a lump in your thyroid that can't be explained.
You should have an emergency referral to a specialist on the same day if you have symptoms caused by a blockage or narrowing of the airway. This includes noisy breathing ().
Your GP should refer you to a specialist if you have a in your thyroid and one or more of the following:
the nodule is getting bigger quickly
you have a hoarse voice that can't be explained
you have swollen in your neck
you have had to your neck
you have a family history of cancer of the such as thyroid, pancreatic, or parathyroid cancer
you are 16 years old or younger
Your GP should refer you immediately if your swollen thyroid is pressing on your airway and causing symptoms such as noisy breathing ().
Your GP should refer you urgently to a specialist if you have a swelling in your thyroid and you:
have a single lump (nodule) in your thyroid that is increasing in size
have had radiotherapy to your neck
have a family history of cancer of the endocrine system such as thyroid, pancreatic, or parathyroid cancer
have changes to your voice or a hoarse voice that can't be explained
have swollen lymph glands at the base of your neck
are a child who hasn't been through , or you are 65 years old or older
Your GP will consider any other symptoms you have, so do mention these.
Read more about the possible symptoms of thyroid cancer
Your GP might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing thyroid cancer.
Go to the risk and causes of thyroid cancer
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you to a specialist, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one.
Some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent referral appointment.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 04 Sept 2026
Next review due: 04 Sept 2029
An urgent suspected cancer referral includes tests or referral to a hospital doctor. This to investigate your symptoms and find out if it could be cancer.
You might have an ultrasound or a needle biopsy to diagnose thyroid cancer.
Possible treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted drugs and chemotherapy. What treatment you have depends on your type and stage of thyroid cancer.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
