Thyroid Cancer

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your thyroid gland. A gland is an organ in your body that makes a substance.

Your thyroid is shaped like a small butterfly and is found inside the lower front of your neck. It has two lobes, or pieces, one on either side of your windpipe, joined by a band of tissue called the isthmus.

Your thyroid controls your metabolism. It also makes and releases hormones that direct many functions in your body, including how you use energy, how you produce heat, and how you consume oxygen.

Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells change or mutate in the tissues of your thyroid gland. The abnormal (cancer) cells begin multiplying and, once there are enough of them, they form a tumor or mass in your thyroid.

If it’s caught early, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Researchers have identified four main types:

Papillary thyroid cancer

If you have thyroid cancer, you probably have this type. It’s responsible for 80% of all thyroid cancer cases. It tends to grow slowly, but often spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck. Lymph nodes act like filters to rid your body of foreign matter like cancer cells and infections. They clean fluid that comes from body tissues before it moves through the lymphatic system, part of your immune system. Even if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, you have a very good chance of a full recovery.

Follicular thyroid cancer

This makes up between 10% and 15% of all thyroid cancers in the United States. It can spread into your lymph nodes and is also more likely to spread into your blood vessels. The chance of recovery, if you have this type, is good but slightly less than if you have papillary.

Medullary thyroid cancer

This makes up about 4% of all thyroid cancer cases. If you have this kind, it’s likely to be found at an early stage because it produces a hormone called calcitonin, which doctors keep an eye out for in blood test results.