Thyroid Cancer Common Age
Thyroid cancer is more common in adults than in children and is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 45. However, it is possible for individuals of any age to develop this type of cancer. The average age of diagnosis for thyroid cancer is 56.
The most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, is more common in women than men and usually occurs in those aged between 25 and 65. Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type and tends to be more common in men than women, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 70. Medullary thyroid cancer is the least common type and can occur in people of any age.
Incidence
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer and its incidence is increasing rapidly. The incidence rate of thyroid cancer in the US has tripled since the 1970s and it is estimated that more than 55,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the US in 2020.
Risk Factors
While the cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, there are some risk factors that have been identified. These include exposure to radiation, a family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, and certain underlying medical conditions. Additionally, women are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer than men.
Diagnosis
Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed through a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy. If the biopsy results show that cancer is present, further tests may be done to determine the stage of the cancer and the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for thyroid cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous thyroid gland and any affected lymph nodes. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used. The prognosis for individuals with thyroid cancer is generally good, with most patients surviving for more than five years after diagnosis.