Thyroid Cancer: Overview
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The two main types of thyroid cancer are papillary and follicular. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type and is usually found at an early stage. Follicular thyroid cancer is more aggressive and is usually found at a later stage. Other, less common types of thyroid cancer include medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and Hurthle cell carcinoma.
Is Thyroid Cancer Rarely Fatal?
The short answer is yes, thyroid cancer is rarely fatal. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of thyroid cancer is 98%. This means that 98% of people with thyroid cancer will survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rate for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer is over 99%, indicating that these types of thyroid cancer are even less likely to be fatal than other types. However, it is important to note that survival rates vary based on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, so early detection and treatment are key.
Treatment Options
Treatment for thyroid cancer typically includes surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy. Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer and is usually successful in removing the cancer. Radiation therapy can be used to destroy cancer cells that remain after surgery or to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Hormone therapy is used to control the growth of cancer cells and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland and is very rarely fatal. Treatment typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms that could be related to thyroid cancer.