What are the five types of thyroid cancer Dr. Vaibhav Singhal discusses?

The article discusses Papillary, Follicular, Hurthle Cell, Medullary, and Anaplastic thyroid cancers.

Is thyroid cancer curable?

Yes, thyroid cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early, with survival rates often exceeding 90%.

What are the early symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Early symptoms can include a painless lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained neck swelling.

Home / Health / Thyroid Cancer: Treatable When Caught Early

Thyroid Cancer: Treatable When Caught Early

22 Jan

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Summary

Early detection significantly boosts survival rates for thyroid cancer.
There are five main types of thyroid cancer, each managed differently.
Papillary thyroid cancer, the most common, has over 95% survival.

Thyroid Cancer: Treatable When Caught Early

Thyroid cancer is among the most treatable cancers, especially when diagnosed early. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, essential for metabolism, can develop abnormal cells forming distinct cancer types, each requiring tailored treatment. Doctors emphasize that thyroid cancer is not a single disease; its behavior dictates its management.

Globally, thyroid cancer incidence is rising, partly due to improved detection methods like ultrasound and fine-needle biopsies. The World Health Organization highlights that early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes, with survival rates often exceeding 90% for common types.

Papillary thyroid cancer, accounting for 80% of cases, is slow-growing and highly responsive to treatment, with survival rates above 95% for early stages. Follicular thyroid cancer, the second most common, is also treatable with early intervention, though it may spread through the bloodstream.