According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 20 tumors on the thyroid gland turns out to be malignant, or cancerous (Reference 2: Malignant Thyroid Tumors). There are four types of thyroid cancerous tumors: anaplastic, follicular, medullary and papillary (Reference 1). However, most tumors that grow on the thyroid are not cancerous, but they may pose discomfort and other health problems.
Benign and Malignant Tumors
Most tumors that form on the thyroid gland are benign, or non-cancerous (Reference 1: What are thyroid tumors). They are referred to as thyroid adenomas, and they leak out excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, which often leads to hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). The only way to treat thyroid adenomas is by surgically removing a portion of the thyroid, or the whole gland, depending on how many tumors there are (Reference 1: What are thyroid adenomas?). Malignant, or cancerous, tumors are not as common, and afflict more women than they do men (Reference 1: What are thyroid tumors). They are diagnosed by an ultrasound, biopsy or a thyroid scan (Reference 1: Diagnosis).
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Tumors
The American Cancer Society states that anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare, making up about 2 percent of cancers of the thyroid gland (Reference 2: Anaplastic Carcinoma). Elderly women are the most susceptible to this form of thyroid cancer. It is also one of the most deadly, spreading rapidly throughout the body before a patient has a chance to receive treatment. Treatment of tumors resulting from anaplastic thryoid cancer includes anti-cancer medications, radiation therapy and a thyroidectomy, or removal of the entire thyroid (Reference 1: Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer).
Follicular Thyroid Cancer Tumors
According to the University of Virginia Health System, follicular thyroid cancer tumors are most common among the elderly and make up 10 percent of all types of malignant thyroid tumors. Follicular thyroid cancer tumors also spread rapidly through the body, and even through the bloodstream. Treatment options include a thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine to get rid of any tissue that is left behind after surgery (Reference 1: Follicuar Thyroid Cancer).
Medullary Thyroid Cancer Tumors
There are two types of medullary thyroid cancer: sporadic and familial, which is genetic (Reference 2: Medullary thyroid carcinoma). Individuals with a family history of this type of cancer should receive regular screenings for it as a preventative measure (Reference 1: Medullary thyroid cancer). According to the American Cancer Society, 5 percent of thyroid cancer cases are medullary thyroid cancer (Reference 2: Medullary thyroid carcinoma). The only treatment recommended is a thyroidectomy. These types of cancer tumors can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels that connect lymph nodes to other parts of the body (Reference 1: Medullary Thyroid Cancer).
Papillary Thyroid Cancer
This is the most common type of cancer of the thyroid gland, according to the University of Virginia Health System, and it makes up for 80 percent of thyroid cancer cases (Reference 1: Papillary thyroid cancer). Papillary thyroid cancer tumors also grow very slow, making them the most treatable of all types of malignant tumors. Not many patients die as a result (Reference 2: Papillary Carcinoma). Treatment includes a thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine treatments, or prescription thyroid hormone-replacement drugs (Reference 1).
Tags: Reference Medullary, thyroid gland, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society