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types of thyroid cancer

overview

there are different types of thyroid cancer. they are based on what the cells look like under a microscope. your treatment will depend on which type of thyroid cancer you have.

these include:

  • papillary thyroid cancer. this is the most common type of thyroid cancer. it's often only found in one lobe of the thyroid.
  • follicular thyroid cancer. it's found more often in countries where people don't get enough iodine from food.
  • hürthle cell cancer. this is a much less common type. it tends to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.
  • medullary thyroid cancer. this isn't very common. one type occurs mostly in adults. the other type is inherited and often develops during early childhood.
  • anaplastic thyroid cancer. this is very rare. it's a very aggressive cancer that grows rapidly and is almost always fatal.

other cancers that can start in the thyroid include lymphoma and sarcoma.

credits

current as of: october 25, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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