Overview of Thyroid Cancer

Now that you know about the thyroid gland and its role in the body, let’s delve into the specifics of thyroid cancer.

There are also other cells, like the immune system cells and supportive cells. They help keep the thyroid running smoothly.

The thyroid gland can develop various types of growths and tumors. Most of these are harmless (non-cancerous). However, some can be cancerous (malignant), spreading to nearby tissues and other body parts.

Each type of thyroid cancer has its unique traits. You can explore them further on our dedicated pages.

Here are the main types of thyroid cancer:

• Differentiated thyroid cancer (including papillary, follicular, and Hürthle cell)
• Medullary
• Anaplastic (a very aggressive type)

Most thyroid cancers fall under the category of differentiated cancers. These cancers develop from thyroid follicular cells. Their cells closely resemble normal thyroid tissue when examined in the lab.

Let’s get an understanding of these common thyroid cancers.

Papillary cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 8 out of 10 cases. They grow slowly, but despite that, they often spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, even when this happens, they can usually be successfully treated and are rarely fatal.

There are different subtypes of papillary cancers. You can read about them in our dedicated pages.

Follicular cancer, comprising about 1 out of 10 thyroid cancers, is the next most common type. It tends to occur more in areas or countries lacking iodine in the diet. Studies show the incidence of follicular and papillary thyroid cancer is higher in women.

Hürthle cell cancer is also known as oxyphilic cell carcinoma or Hurthle cell carcinoma. It makes up about 3% of thyroid cancers. A rare type of thyroid cancer, it begins in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Hürthle cell cancer tends to grow more slowly than other types of thyroid cancer but may be more aggressive and harder to treat.

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) makes up about 4% of thyroid cancers. It starts from the C cells of the thyroid gland. Sometimes, MTC can spread to lymph nodes, lungs, or liver before you notice or find a thyroid nodule. This cancer type is challenging to detect and treat. There are two types, and you can read more about them on our dedicated pages.

• Sporadic Medullary thyroid cancer makes up 80% of cases. It is not inherited and often affects one thyroid lobe in older adults.
• Familial Medullary thyroid cancer is inherited. It affects 20-25% of each family generation. It often appears in childhood or early adulthood and spreads quickly to multiple areas in both lobes. MTC is known to increase the risk of other tumors.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is also known as Anaplastic carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma. Though rare (it accounts for 2%-3% of all cancers of the thyroid), it is an aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It develops from follicular cells in the thyroid gland and proliferates. Due to its aggressive nature, anaplastic thyroid cancer is challenging to treat and has a poor prognosis.

Less common thyroid cancers comprise less than 4% of all thyroid cancers. They include thyroid lymphomas, sarcomas, and other rare tumors.

Treating thyroid cancer commonly involves surgery as the primary approach. Total thyroidectomy entails removing the entire thyroid gland and serves as the cornerstone of treatment. At MACS Clinic, robotic surgery has emerged as the preferred method for thyroid surgery. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the chief surgical oncologist at the clinic, and his skilled team offer minimally invasive procedures to combat thyroid cancer using RABIT technique of robotic thyroid surgery.

It’s crucial to entrust thyroid surgery to a specialized team experienced in performing these procedures. This not only reduces the risk of complications but also enhances treatment outcomes. They help promote optimal recovery and long-term management of thyroid cancer.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The most prevalent type, known for its favorable prognosis.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer: Following closely, it boasts excellent treatment outcomes.

Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer: Less frequent, yet yields promising results when managed effectively.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A rare, occasionally hereditary variant demanding specialized attention.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A highly aggressive cancer in nature, though rare in occurrence.

Each year, our center welcomes many patients from all corners of the globe. With our extensive experience, we have streamlined the process to make it effortless for you to visit Bangalore for your evaluation, scans, biopsies, and surgery all in one trip. For your convenience, a significant portion of the follow-up can be conducted through online consultations. Additionally, we are committed to assisting you with postoperative treatment in your home country or city, eliminating the need for you to return to Bangalore, India.