Brazil sees rising thyroid cancer cases and outlines treatment options

Thyroid cancer, the fifth most common cancer among women, is increasing in Brazil. The National Cancer Institute projects 16,450 new cases in 2026, up from 9,200 in 2014, a rise attributed to improved diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and newer biopsy techniques. Mortality remains low, with 988 deaths recorded in 2023.

Most patients are asymptomatic early on; later symptoms can include neck nodules, swelling, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Risk factors include age 50 or older, female sex, obesity, iodine‑deficient diets, family history and prior neck radiation. Over 90 % of tumors are papillary or follicular carcinomas, which have high cure rates when detected early.

Standard treatment is surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, often followed by radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate residual tissue. For metastatic or radio‑iodine‑refractory disease, targeted molecular therapies and immunotherapy are increasingly used. Preventive measures emphasize weight control, a balanced diet, regular exercise and, for those with a strong family history, genetic testing for RET mutations.