• Thyroid cancer begins when the cells of the thyroid gland become abnormal, grow uncontrollably, and form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
• Growths on the thyroid are often called nodules. However, thyroid nodules can become benign (non-cancer) or malignant (cancer). Below are the different features between benign and malignant nodules:

1.Benign nodules:

• Usually not a threat to life (depends on its site and size , may be large enough to cause compression to the airways lead to life threatening condition)
• Do not invade the tissues around them
• Do not spread to other parts of the body
• Usually do not need to be removed

2.Malignant nodules:

• May sometimes be a threat to life
• Can invade nearby tissues and organs
• Can spread to other parts of the body
• Often can be removed or destroyed, but sometimes the cancer returns

Updated:: 18/03/2019 []