Where does thyroid cancer recur?

Thyroid cancer may recur in a number of different places. If thyroid cancer cells from an original tumor were left behind when the thyroid gland was removed, a new tumor may develop in the same location. If thyroid cancer cells from an original tumor had spread to the lymph nodes located in the neck by the time the thyroid gland was removed, a new tumor may subsequently develop in one or more of these lymph nodes. Recurrent metastases may develop in any of a number of locations. Thyroid cancer cells that spread to form metastases may develop into new tumors located in other structures in the neck, in lymph nodes within the chest, or in areas of the lungs, bones, or central nervous system.

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