What are the types of thyroid cancer? How is thyroid cancer classified?

Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the common types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer has the highest incidence, but the degree of malignancy is relatively low, and the survival rate of more than 10 years is very high. Other types of thyroid cancer include follicular thyroid cancer, which has a worse prognosis than papillary thyroid cancer. In addition to these two types, medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer are also types of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the endocrine system, and the incidence rate varies in different age groups. In order to effectively treat thyroid cancer, in addition to understanding the cause and symptoms of the disease, you also need to know its type. Different types of thyroid cancer will have different treatment options. So what are the types of thyroid cancer?

1. Papillary thyroid carcinoma

Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the most common types of thyroid cancer, and it is more common in women. Since the cancer cells of this type of thyroid cancer are wrapped in fibrous tissue, the degree of malignancy is relatively low. This type of thyroid cancer is easier to treat and has a good prognosis. After scientific and effective treatment, the survival rate of more than 10 years can reach 90%, and the recurrence rate is relatively low, but regular follow-up is required, and the follow-up time must last for more than 10 years.

2. Follicular thyroid cancer

Follicular thyroid cancer is also a common type of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer mostly occurs in men, and the disease lasts for a relatively long time. Its main manifestation is multiple lumps in the thyroid gland and neck. It grows relatively slowly, but is prone to distant metastasis through the blood. Compared with papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer has a poorer prognosis.

3. Medullary thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer also includes medullary thyroid cancer, which has an incidence of 3% to 10% and is divided into sporadic and hereditary types. The treatment of this type of thyroid cancer is mainly based on surgery, which usually requires removal of most or all of the thyroid gland. If distant metastasis occurs, radioactive nuclides are needed for treatment.

4. Anaplastic thyroid cancer

The incidence of anaplastic thyroid cancer is very low, but it is highly malignant and progresses very quickly. Most patients are elderly. If the disease can be detected in the early stages, the thyroid gland can be completely removed through surgery. However, most patients are in the late stages when they come to see a doctor and cannot be completely removed, so the prognosis is very poor.