Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. It is a relatively rare type of cancer, accounting for only one percent of all cancers in the United States.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are several different types of thyroid cancer:.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. It is a slow-growing cancer that usually remains confined to the thyroid gland.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 10 percent of all cases. It also usually remains confined to the thyroid gland.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare type of thyroid cancer that begins in the C cells of the thyroid gland, which produce the hormone calcitonin. This type of cancer can run in families and may be associated with other endocrine system disorders.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare but aggressive type of thyroid cancer that grows rapidly and is difficult to treat. It often spreads to other parts of the body before it is diagnosed.

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, or the symptoms may be mild and easily overlooked. As the cancer grows, it may cause:.

A lump or swelling in the neck
Hoarseness or other voice changes
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Pain in the neck or throat

Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies.

If a lump is found in the neck, a doctor may order an ultrasound or a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to determine if the lump is cancerous.

Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Treatment may include:.

Surgery to remove the thyroid gland and any cancerous tissue
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
Targeted therapy to block the growth of cancer cells

Prevention of Thyroid Cancer

There is no surefire way to prevent thyroid cancer, but there are some things that may lower the risk of developing the disease:.

Avoiding exposure to radiation
Not smoking
Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Conclusion

Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, but it can be serious if left untreated. If you notice any lumps or changes in your neck, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation.

In most cases, early detection and treatment can lead to a good outcome.