Thyroid Cancer: An Overview
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. This cancer can affect both adults and children. It is typically treatable if caught early, but can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Papillary and follicular are the two most common types.
Papillary: This type of cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer and usually grows slowly. It can be treated successfully if caught early, but can be more difficult to treat if it has spread to other organs.
Follicular: This type of cancer is less common than papillary and usually grows slowly. It is also treatable if caught early, but can be more difficult to treat if it has spread.
Medullary: This type of cancer is rare and is usually aggressive. It is more likely to spread to other organs than papillary or follicular.
Anaplastic: This type of cancer is very rare and is usually aggressive. It is the least treatable type of thyroid cancer.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase a person's risk of developing thyroid cancer. These include age, gender, ethnicity, exposure to radiation, family history, and certain genetic conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, but may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.