information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. There may be other possible causes of the pain that need to be explored. When a cyst gets infected, it causes swelling and pain. Increasingly, palliative care is being offered early in the course of cancer treatment. Tests might measure: These blood tests are also used to look for signs of cancer recurrence. Watch: Coccydynia Video Having cancer can be very stressful, and it may feel overwhelming to face the challenges in front of you. Yes, a thyroid nodule can cause a feeling like something is stuck in your throat, such as a piece of food. Mayo Clinic; 2018. Shmerling RH. Fortunately, we have a hormone called levothyroxine or Synthroid. Some experts say scoliosis is a possible cause of tailbone pain. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with But the type of cancer is based . Most people diagnosed with thyroid cancer have an excellent prognosis, as most thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment. 2012;87(2):187193. AskMayoExpert. Targeted drug treatments focus on specific chemicals present within cancer cells. Pain during bowel movements and pain during sex are also common. As it grows, it may cause pain in your tailbone. Cancer in these areas is called colorectal cancer. 2016 Dec 3;388(10061):2783-2795. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30172-6, Tsuda K, Tsurushima H, Takano S, Tsuboi K,Matsumuba A. Depending on the cause, it can persist from a few days to a few months. Signs may include: Your medical history will help your doctor find the cause of your pain. American Cancer Society. Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. 2013;185(5):417. doi:10.1503/cmaj.101613, Wilking AN. Ochsner J. If youre injured, take time for rest and recovery. Orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports: a current concepts review. Systemic treatments get into the bloodstream and go throughout the whole body to kill cancer cells. Mayo Clinic; 2021. During your exam your doctor will look for: Your doctor may also press on your tailbone. Here are some self-care strategies you can do at home. Mayo Clinic; 2018. Apply ice or heat: Apply ice to the tailbone area for 10to 15 minutes several times a day. Still, these causes can be dangerous. It is often caused by injury to the tailbone. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Scientists arent sure of the cause of most primary spinal tumors. Your doctor may also recommend a topical or oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). All rights reserved. The results aren't always clear. Avoid prolonged sitting: When you sit down, lean forward to take pressure off your tailbone. He was a physician in the US Air Force and now practices at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is an associate professor. Radionuclide Therapy: A radioactive element is injected into the body and goes inside the bone mets. During needle biopsy, a long, thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the suspicious area. Thyroid cancer. The radiation kills the cancer cells and lessens pain. Your pain doesn't go away even though you've tried treating it. J Bone Jt Infect. This can help reduce pain and inflammation. Annals of Surgery. People with symptomatic spinal tumors often believe that their back pain is related to a real or suspected injury in the recent past. Almost all cancers can spread to the bone, but cancers that often spread there include breast, lung, prostate, kidney, melanoma, ovarian, and thyroid . This means that patients can undergo lobectomy to remove half the gland instead of the entire gland. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Recommended Reading: Does Selenium Help Thyroid Eye Disease. Different types of thyroid cancer have different sets of stages. Cancer Stat Facts: Thyroid Cancer. To prevent tailbone pain, use good form when you sit down. Causes of Buttock Pain and Treatment Options, Lower Right Back Pain: Causes and Treatment, Causes of Neck Pain and Treatment Options, Causes of Foot Pain and Treatment Options, Why Do My Ribs Hurt? The best way to partner with your team is to be open with your team about your questions, your fears and anxieties about your disease, and to be honest about your goals of care. Cholesterol medications: Consider the options. Denosumab is a targeted therapy that can prevent further bone damage from cancer cells. The symptoms of spinal tumors depend on several factors, including: Some spinal tumors cause no symptoms because theyre small enough to not press on and irritate nearby tissues. PM R. 2017;9(4):367-376. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.08.007, Antoniadis A, Ulrich NH, Senyurt H. Coccygectomy as a surgical option in the treatment of chronic traumatic coccygodynia: a single-center experience and literature review. A genetic test can tell you if you have a greater chance of getting MTC. Cancer Clinical Trials . Thanks for your time and we wish you well. You can unsubscribe at any However, a nodule that is large and hard or causes pain or discomfort is more worrisome. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there will be 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer and an estimated 2,200 people will die of this disease in 2021. These hormones support vital body functions. The causes and symptoms of tailbone pain can vary between people. Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap, Depression: Provide support, encouragement, Depression: Supporting a family member or friend, HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 1998; doi:10.1097/00000658-199809000-00005. Key statistics for thyroid cancer. Taking thyroid hormone tablets can keep your bodys metabolism functioning at a normal healthy rate and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. The technical term for tailbone pain is coccydynia. There are many different targeted therapy drugs for thyroid cancer. Has the cancer spread outside of the thyroid gland? Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If a tumor spreads to the bone, it's called bone metastasis. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare. Lumps in the thyroid are common and are usually benign. Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. include protected health information. A Mayo Clinic expert explains, What you should know about thyroid cancer in adolescents, young adults, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Although papillary thyroid cancer often spreads to lymph nodes in your neck, the disease responds very well to treatment. Worldwide thyroid-cancer epidemic? A Beginners Guide, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Central Cord Syndrome: Causes and How to Treat It, Decompression Therapy: What You Should Know About This Technique, What Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is and How It Works, Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Taking a hot bath to relax muscles and ease pain. People with low iodine levels and radiation exposure are also more likely to get thyroid cancer. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions or even other cancers of the neck area. How can I sleep comfortably with tailbone pain? In the lab, a doctor who specializes in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologist) examines the tissue sample under a microscope and determines whether cancer is present. Tailbone pain is usually caused by some kind of trauma, but sometimes it can have other causes like an infection. Certain factors increase your risk of thyroid cancer, such as a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancers and having a . That can cause tailbone pain. National Cancer Institute.Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Degenerative joint disease: Wear and tear from repetitive motions can cause osteoarthritis. Accessed Dec. 14, 2022. You can also try heat, massage, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sitting on a doughnut-shaped cushion. If you sit on a hard chair or hard surface for too long, you may feel pain in your tailbone. December 2005 edited March 2014 #1. It can take time to accept and learn to cope with a thyroid cancer diagnosis. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. After surgery, you can expect some pain as your body heals. Thyroid cancer. As the mass grows, it can cause pain. Frequency of hormone replacement after lobectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer. Chordomas form from the left-over cells that were important in . Coccydynia, commonly called tailbone pain refers to persistent pain at the very bottom of your spine. All rights reserved. High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation and confusion. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Subacute thyroiditis is a rare type of thyroiditis that causes pain and discomfort in the thyroid. Swelling of the small joints in the hands and feet. Can thyroid cancer make you feel like something in stuck in your throat? People who have been exposed to a lot of radiation have a greater chance of getting thyroid cancer. How long it takes to recover will depend on your situation and the type of surgery you had. Special pillows with a face cut out let you lie on your stomach with your head down. Rarity: Common. Schumm MA, et al. Try not to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about it. Thyroid Cancer Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of the Thyroid, Brain metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinomas, Cerebellar mass as a primary presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma: case report and literature review, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. People with this condition will also have symptoms of hyperthyroidism and later develop. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Infection: An infection may also cause tailbone pain. This is a degenerative disease that can affect any joint in the body. AskMayoExpert. They are located at different areas of the body, includingunder the jaw and on either side of the neck. Also Check: Graves Thyroid Eye Disease Symptoms. As an alternative to surgery or other treatments, you might consider active surveillance with frequent monitoring of the cancer. What have other health care providers shared with you about your condition? Elsevier; 2015. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Some people with colon cancer feel pain in their tailbone. Back pain is the most common symptom of both benign and malignant spinal tumors. After treatment, you may need to take synthetic thyroid hormones for life. The cervical spine is intertwined with not just nerves but also blood vessels. Have you ever been treated with radiation therapy? Coccyx pain in women after childbirth. Pituitary and thyroid disorders. Lymph nodes frequently become swollen as a result of cancer, so its very important to be seen by a medical expert if you notice any enlargement or tenderness under your jaw or on either side of your neck. If you have prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend: A vertebral tumor is a tumor in your spine that affects your bones or vertebrae. Whats the Difference Between Cysts and Tumors? What type of follow-up care do I need after treatment? Moreover, it's worth mentioning that metastasis is most likely to occur with anaplastic thyroid cancer, which is a very rare, but aggressive type of thyroid cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. These treatments can have a rare but serious side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw . For example, in one case study in Head and Neck Oncology, a 75-year old woman developed gradually worsening dizziness, headaches, and vomiting and was found to have metastatic thyroid cancer to an area of her brain called the cerebellum (a region of the brain that helps control movement and coordination). Some of them may be caused by exposure to cancer-causing chemicals or substances. Accessed Jan. 25, 2022. While your tailbone pain doesnt necessarily mean you have cancer, there are forms of cancer that can affect the tailbone. This triangular bone at the terminal end of your spine typically consists of 3 to 5 fused bony segments.1 The bone forms a joint with the sacrum above and has limited movement. You may have follow-up appointments once or twice a year for several years after treatment ends. What is causing this patient's tailbone pain? 2nd ed. The pain typically lasts for weeks to months and can become debilitating. Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. National Cancer Institute. I-131 radiotherapy. Pope TL, et al, eds. You can manage your tailbone pain at home by: If your tailbone pain does not reduce with these measures, consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnostic checkup and medical treatment. Doesnt respond to conservative pain relief therapies and medications. Causes of Rib Cage Pain, Achilles Tendon Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments, Causes of Heel Pain and Treatment Options, Persistent coccydynia--the importance of a differential diagnosis, Orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports: a current concepts review, Ganglion impar block in patients with chronic coccydynia, Recognition and management of nonrelaxing pelvic floor dysfunction, Lumbar disc degenerative disease: disc degeneration symptoms and magnetic resonance image findings. https://www.snmmi.org/AboutSNMMI/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=10563. Hypothyroidism. privacy practices. This is a circular cushion with a hole in the middle. Demanding and untrusting in relationships. Recommended Reading: Image Of Thyroid Eye Disease. In: Musculoskeletal Imaging. The use of forceps can also contribute to this kind of pain. Signs of infection, like warmth, redness, or discharge, A skin dimple, which could be a sign of a bone spur, Exercises to help you improve your posture, Reverse Kegels, or relaxation exercises for your pelvic floor. The pain can be disabling. There's also a risk that the nerves connected to your vocal cords might not work as expected after surgery, which can cause hoarseness and voice changes. A lump or swelling in your neck. If ONJ does occur, the doctor will stop the bone medicine. When the radioactive iodine is injected in a vein or swallowed, any thyroid cancer cells in the body will take up the iodine. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. information submitted for this request. Review/update the DeVita, Hellman, and RosenbergsCancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. You may still feel pain months after giving birth. If this test shows that you have an increased risk, you can have your thyroid gland removed to reduce your risk for thyroid cancer later in life. Other causes of tailbone pain are less common. Others have severe, sharp pain that can radiate to other areas. Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate? Radicular pain often feels sharp and shooting. Decreasing sitting time. It is often caused by injury to the tailbone. If these are positive for thyroid cancer, fortunately, the surgeon will do a comprehensive surgery to remove both the thyroid and the lymph nodes. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Subscribe for free and receive an in-depth guide to coping .st1 { If it comes back, you may need surgery to remove it. Still, if you have any of these symptoms, its important to see your doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if needed. You may also need imaging. What is the best treatment for this type of thyroid cancer? "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The way a thyroid nodule looks on an ultrasound image helps your provider determine if it's likely to be cancer. It may be bone cancer or another type that spreads to into your bone, which is called metastatic cancer. The next step after thyroid cancer is diagnosed is to obtain a comprehensive, high-resolution ultrasound. Alcohol ablation, which is also called ethanol ablation, involves using a needle to inject alcohol into small areas of thyroid cancer. Alcohol ablation may be an option to treat small areas of thyroid cancer, such as cancer that's found in a lymph node after surgery. If you have a pilonidal cyst, you may notice: If you have a pilonidal cyst, your doctor may numb the area and make an incision to drain the cyst. Although any type of cancer can spread to the spine, the most likely are: The symptoms of a vertebral tumor on the tailbone are basically the same as for chordoma. Some types of thyroid cancer, particularly follicular thyroid cancer and Hurthle cell thyroid cancer, are more likely to have uncertain results (indeterminate thyroid nodules). Depending on the location and type of the spinal tumor, other signs and symptoms in addition to pain can develop. As thyroid cancer grows, it may cause: A lump (nodule) that can be felt through the skin on your neck A feeling that close-fitting shirt collars are becoming too tight Changes to your voice, including increasing hoarseness Difficulty swallowing 2017;2(4):184193. Notice an unusual lump? However, a long-lasting pain, which does not go away even after the primary treatments, should be suspected for either an infection or a tumor. Most pilonidal cysts, or abnormal pockets of hair and tissue debris in your skin, develop near your tailbone. Other symptoms include:. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. What websites do you recommend? Healthy thyroid cells absorb and use iodine from the blood. ErrorSelect They extend upward through the neck carrying oxygen-rich blood up to the head including your precious brain. Spinal tumors can also cause radicular pain, which is pain that radiates from your spine to your hips, legs, feet or arms. Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist. 10th ed. When it does occur, signs and symptoms of bone metastasis include: Bone pain. Your healthcare provider can discuss the best treatment option for the type of thyroid cancer you have. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. Until you find what works for you, consider trying to: If you have signs and symptoms that worry you, start by seeing your family health care provider. Accessed Jan. 25, 2022. It's most often used after surgery to find any cancer cells that might remain. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Indian J Radiol Imaging. Before you can go back to high-impact activities, you need to be able to sit, bend, and walk without pain. Any suggestions to help? Also, avoid sitting exercises like biking or rowing that put pressure on the area. We know that most papillary thyroid cancers - under 3 to 4 centimeters - that are confined to the thyroid are low risk. Let your doctor know about any falls or other accidents that involved your tailbone. This usually happens when the tumor grows and presses on your spinal cord or your nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of your spine. Accessed Jan. 20, 2022. After your thyroid cancer treatment ends, your provider may recommend follow-up tests and procedures to look for signs that your cancer has returned. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some are more common than others. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Sometimes the cause is unknown, but common causes include injury from falls or childbirth infections or sitting too long on a hard surface. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The pain can be dull or sharp and is often worse while you're seated. This is also rare. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse? Cancer is a collection of related diseases characterized by abnormal cells growing out of control, crowding out normal cells, and spreading to other tissues. Tailbone pain can usually be treated at home. When did you first begin having symptoms? Can I take some time to consider my options? Moutvic M. (2018). If so, should we get genetic tests? Standing up or walking may ease the ache. They produce parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating the body's blood level of calcium and phosphorus. In some cases, the pain may be the result of sitting posture changes brought on by obesity or aging. Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. You may want to try both ice and heat to see which works best for you. clip-path: url(#SVGID_2_); Talk to your doctor about managing your weight. Talk to your doctor if it doesnt get better. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Depending on the cause and severity, pain from an injured tailbone can be mild to severe and range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain. If youre experiencing back pain, its important to see your healthcare provider, especially if you have cancer. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. It may also come from cancer elsewhere in your body, such as your lungs. Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions? This is especially true if the delivery is difficult. Many people who have thyroid cancer do not have symptoms. Tailbone pain from childbirth is often caused by bone bruise or ligament strain. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The symptoms of a vertebral tumor on the tailbone are basically the same as for chordoma. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Some can cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes and voice changes. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. In others, growth may eventually be detected and treatment can begin. For instance, your surgeon might recommend staying away from strenuous activity for a few more weeks. This article discusses the causes, treatment, and prevention of tailbone pain. This can be used to find cancer or infection. Spinal tumors can sometimes run in families, so scientists think theres likely a genetic component. Although a thyroid nodule can sometimes cause a feeling like something is stuck in your throat, most are asymptomatic (you can not feel them). Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland which is a small gland at the base of the neck producing hormones. What is thyroid cancer? with cancer, plus helpful information on how to get a second opinion. A bone spur can irritate the tailbone area when you sit down. Pain during bowel movements and pain during sex are also common. Changes in other genes have also been found. Tailbone cancer could be cancer thats spread from cancer elsewhere in your body, such as your lungs. If you've been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, you may be able to save part of your thyroid. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers, Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful. This surgery minimizes damage to tissue and muscles. Tailbone pain can vary from person to person. Many people who have a partial thyroidectomy wont need thyroid hormone replacement therapy because the remaining lobe will continue to make enough hormones. What is causing this patient's tailbone pain? Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer. Tailbone pain: How can I relieve it? For example, you might fall hard on your bottom while skiing. Will I need thyroid replacement hormone therapy? It is most often found near the tailbone (called a sacral tumor) or where the spine meets the skull (called a clival tumor). If you're taking thyroid hormone replacement, and you still have joint and muscle pain, your medicine dosage may need to be changed. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers respond extremely well to treatment. Its possible that mothers with a body mass index greater than 27 may also be more likely to suffer tailbone injuries. Mayo Clinic; 2021. The bones of the tailbone can be injured directly, such as in a fall. Head Neck Oncol. These DNA changes may include changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older. 21st ed. An injured tailbone will cause pain in the area just above the top of your buttocks at the base of your spine. Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Chordoma can happen anywhere along the spine. Tailbone pain tends to occur when sitting, standing for long periods, and rising from a seated position. Accessed Jan. 21, 2022. Endocrine Practice. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This is an injection that helps block pain signals. Applying warm and cold packs to the tailbone can help relieve tailbone pain. 2015;3(9):2325967115603924. doi:10.1177/2325967115603924, Mrquez-Carrasco M, Garca-Garca E, Aragndez-Marcos MP. Rarely, you may need surgery. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Your care team will monitor you for bone mets throughout your cancer treatments. Some of these treatments come in pill form and some are given through a vein. The importance of surgeon experience for clinical and economic outcomes from thyroidectomy. You may also get tailbone pain after sitting on a hard surface for a long period of time. We avoid using tertiary references. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The surgery is not commonly done, but it can be efficiently performed by experienced orthopedic or spinal surgeons. Tailbone pain can result from bruising, dislocation, or a broken bone caused by a trauma or injury. Hi. How Are the Causes of Tailbone Pain Diagnosed? If your thyroid hormones are too low after surgery (hypothyroidism), your health care team might recommend thyroid hormones. Click here for an email preview. Top Symptoms: pelvis pain, butt pain, pain when passing stools, leg numbness, hip pain. Papillary: Up to 80% of all thyroid cancers are papillary. Some people might have longer tailbones than others. If your symptoms dont improve with treatment after a week, it. The primary functions of the tailbone are to: The coccyx is well innervated and can become a significant source of pain if injured. Bone Cancer, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Medication may also help. Accessed Dec. 14, 2022. If the tailbone is sore and inflamed, overactivity of the pelvic floor and hip-opening muscles can worsen pain symptoms. Anaplastic and medullary thyroid cancers usually aren't treated with radioactive iodine. Summary. Do this for up to three days after the injury. Jensen NA. A biopsy must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. And there's no side effects when you're on the right dose. Postgrad Med. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Some people also have a bone spur on the lowest tip of the tailbone. Pelvic floor muscles help support many of your body's internal organs. Treatment might not be needed right away for very small papillary thyroid cancers (papillary microcarcinomas) because these cancers have a low risk of growing or spreading. Chordoma is a slow growing cancer of tissue found inside the spine. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. How can I best manage them together? A bone spur is a small, bony growth. This might happen after a fall backward or from repeatedly sitting on something hard or narrow (like a wooden bench), especially while leaning back or slouching. It is done in the cases of pain in the tailbone region ( coccydynia) when conservative treatment options, such as rest, painkillers, physiotherapy, and steroid injections, have failed. Further, there are other diagnoses that may cause a sensation of something stuck in your throat, such as acid reflux disease or problems with your esophagus. All rights reserved. 05/23/2018. Your provider is likely to ask you a number of questions. Read Also: How To Fix Thyroid Problems Naturally. Side effects will depend on the specific drug you take. Operations used to treat thyroid cancer include: To access the thyroid, surgeons usually make a cut (incision) in the lower part of the neck. Your colon is your large intestine. Early prognosis can help find the root cause of the pain. Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition. The tailbone consists of three to five small bones called coccygeal vertebral bones. Vaccarella S, et al. Differentiated thyroid cancer types, including papillary, follicular and Hurthle cell, are more likely to respond. Make a donation. You should be able to return to normal daily activities over time as you heal. After surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid, you might have blood tests to see if all of the thyroid cancer has been removed.