There are four types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary
- Follicular
- Medullary
- Anaplastic
Follicular cancer, the second most common type of thyroid cancer, is somewhat more malignant than papillary. Follicular cancer is more common in older people. Again, the long-term survival rate is high.
Medullary thyroid cancer is the third most common type of thyroid cancer. It spreads to the lymph nodes earlier than papillary or follicular cancers. This type of cancer can run in families, and also has a good cure rate.
Anaplastic is the rarest and most serious thyroid cancer. It can spread early to lymph nodes, thus usually the cause for a visit to the doctor is a mass in the neck. It also is the form of thyroid cancer most likely to spread to other organs beyond the thyroid or lymph nodes. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in those over 65 and in men. Long-term survival rates are far less than for the other three types of cancer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Rehnquist Coverage Roundup
- Thyroid Cancer Support Forum
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
- Could You Have Thyroid Cancer? Take the Thyroid Neck Check Now
- What You Need to Know About Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer Basics
- Top 7 Things to Know About Thyroid Nodules and Goiter
Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.
