Thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It begins in follicular cells and tends to grow slowly. This type is more common in people assigned female at birth and usually develops between ages 20 and 60. Often, the only symptom is a small lump on your thyroid gland.

Its cause is unknown, but the cancer may have a genetic link. High-dose radiation therapy to the neck, especially during childhood, can also increase your risk of this cancer. While papillary thyroid cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, it responds well to treatment and is usually curable.

Treatment includes removing the tumor and sometimes the entire thyroid gland. Surgery may be followed by radioactive iodine therapy. If surgery isn’t an option, your doctor may recommend external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. It starts in follicular cells and usually grows slowly. This type of cancer is often treatable, especially if found early. While the cancer doesn’t usually spread to the lymph nodes, it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, like the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor or the entire thyroid gland. Depending on the stage of the cancer, you might also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or targeted therapy.

Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the C cells. It can occur in children or adults with no family history, but it runs in families about 25 percent of the time. A family history of a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) increases your risk of medullary thyroid cancer. You’re also at higher risk if you have hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic endocrine tumors, mucosal neuromas, or a rare tumor found in the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma.

This cancer may spread to other organs before a thyroid nodule develops, making knowing your risk factors important for early detection and treatment. It’s treated by removing the thyroid and nearby lymph nodes. Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery. Targeted therapies may also help prevent the growth of these tumors.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It’s also called undifferentiated thyroid cancer because its cells look and behave very differently from typical thyroid cells. This cancer most commonly affects people over the age of 60 and occurs more often in people assigned female at birth. The cause isn’t known.

This type of cancer can cause a painful lump in your lower neck, trouble swallowing, loud breathing, vocal cord paralysis, hyperthyroidism, and other symptoms. Surgery can’t cure anaplastic thyroid cancer, but your surgeon may be able remove as much of the tumor as possible to help you breathe more easily, Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help slow the cancer’s growth. Those with a specific gene mutation may benefit from targeted medication.

Hurthle cell cancer is a rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer. It can cause tumors that make it hard to breathe or talk. Without treatment, it can spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, and bones, making it tough to treat. However, a cure is often possible with prompt treatment that includes removing the thyroid gland, followed by radioactive iodine therapy. Because the cancer can come back, you’ll need to be monitored through regular checkups after surgery.