Human: My doctor says I need to get my thyroid gland checked for cancer. What is a thyroid gland? Assistant: 
A thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow abnormally or do not die properly. It is important to have your thyroid gland checked regularly by a doctor to detect any signs of thyroid cancer early on.