What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is a disease that you get
when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland. The
thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the
front of your neck. It makes hormones that regulate the way your
body uses energy and that help your body work normally. Thyroid
cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Most people who have it do
very well, because the cancer is usually found early and the
treatments work well. After it is treated, thyroid cancer may
come back, sometimes many years after treatment. What causes
thyroid cancer? Experts don't know what causes thyroid cancer.
But like other cancers, changes in the DNA of your cells seem to
play a role. These DNA changes may include changes that are
inherited as well as those that happen as you get older. People
who have been exposed to a lot of radiation have a greater
chance of getting thyroid cancer. A dental X-ray now and then
will not increase your chance of getting thyroid cancer. But
past radiation treatmen