Thyroid cancer is a group of malignant tumors that originate from the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the bloodstream so it can produce thyroid hormone (it regulates body metabolism and temperature, it affects the heart rate, and its lack is associated with decrease in energy levels or fatigue). The thyroid gland contains two types of cells: follicular cells, which are responsible for the production of thyroid hormone; and C cells, which make calcitonin, a hormone that participates in the calcium metabolism.

A healthy thyroid gland is barely palpable. A normal gland has two lobes on each side of the windpipe, joined by a narrow strip of tissue called the isthmus. If a mass develops in the thyroid, it is felt as a lump in the neck. A diffusely swollen thyroid gland is called a goiter, which may be due to iodine deficiency. The gland is located on the trachea (windpipe) just below the larynx (voice box) Thyroid tissue growths are known as nodules. Ninety percent (90%) of all thyroid growths are benign and ten percent (10%) of thyroid nodules are malignant. Cancer cells can spread into neighboring tissues and organs, and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream.

Here are four types of thyroid cancer:

Papillary Thyroid Cancer - Papillary cancer develops in the follicular cells and grows slowly. It is usually found in one lobe; only 10% to 20% of papillary cancers appear in both lobes.

Follicular Thyroid Cancer - Follicular cancer also develops in the follicular cells and grows slowly, yet is less common. When detected early, it can be treated successfully.

Papillary and follicular cancers make up 80% to 90% of thyroid cancers, and are grouped under the term differentiated thyroid cancer. When detected early, especially in people below the age of 45-50 years, it can be treated successfully.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer - Medullary cancer develops in the C cells. It can be controlled if it is found and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body. Medullary cancer accounts for 5% to 10% of thyroid cancers.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer - This is a very rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that takes its origin from differentiated thyroid cancer or other benign tumors of the gland, and in its giant cell variety is often rapidly fatal.

As we well know, there are many kinds of cancer; unfortunately they all come about because of the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.