Thyroid cancer patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment at the thyroid cancer service.

Before your appointment

It is imperative that you attend your first appointment – if you have been referred urgently, this appointment will be within two weeks of referral. Please be aware that though this may require you to alter plans at the last minute, it is essential that we begin investigations and treatment if necessary as soon as possible.

You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment. Please wear clothes that allow the team to easily examine your neck. Be sure to bring any medications you are taking as well as a list of questions you may want to ask the consultant.

During your appointment

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

Waiting times in our clinic are typically around 30 minutes. You should expect your first appointment to take up to an hour, as you may need to see several specialists. Most follow-up appointments take about 10 minutes.

During your appointment, the consultant will take a detailed medical history, examine your neck and discuss any test results. You will also discuss the ongoing management of your condition. In addition, you may need to have some blood tests and an ultrasound of your thyroid.

After your appointment

You will be given a follow-up appointment to discuss the further management of your condition. 

Having surgery with us

Our surgeons have access to all modern technology of benefit to the management of thyroid disease including intra-operative neural monitoring and the latest tissue sealing devices.
Information on what to expect can be found in our patient information leaflet – please request one when you attend clinic.