According to the National Cancer Institute, there are three major types of thyroid cancer: Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, which make up 80 to 90 percent of thyroid cancers; Medullary thyroid cancer; and Anaplastic thyroid cancer, which is much more rare than the other types.

Thyroid cancer can appear at any age. People who underwent radiation therapy to the neck have an increased chance of developing thyroid cancers. In addition, those people with a family history, are female (two to three times more likely to develop it then men), those over 40 years old, caucasion and those lacking in iodine in their diet.

Symptoms

Very often, thyroid cancer is not accompanied by any symptoms. However, several symptoms could be a sign of thyroid cancer.

• A lump in the front of the neck near the Adam’s apple
• Hoarseness or difficulty speaking in a normal voice
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Pain in the throat or neck

Treatment

Early treatment increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Generally, treatment begins within a few weeks after diagnosis. Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. Other treatments may include radioactive iodine (radioiodine therapy), hormone treatment, external radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these.

You must speak with your doctor about the various treatment options available to you.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.