Types of thyroid cancer
The type of thyroid cancer depends on which type of cell it starts in—follicular cells or C cells. Follicular cells produce thyroid hormone, which is responsible for your body’s metabolism and helps control your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. C cells make calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium in your body.
There are several types of thyroid cancer.
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It begins in follicular cells and tends to grow slowly. While it can spread to nearby lymph nodes, it responds well to treatment and is usually curable.
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 it 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.
Medullary thyroid cancer begins in the C cells. This cancer can run in families but may also occur in people with no family history of the disease. This cancer may spread to other organs before a thyroid nodule develops.
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.
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, with early and proper treatment, a cure is often possible.