The most common of epithelial benign tumors occur in all age groups, but more often in young adults. These typically have a diameter of less than 3cm.
Follicular adenoma
The most common of epithelial benign tumors occur in all age groups, but more often in young adults. These typically have a diameter of less than 3cm. Smaller adenomas are mostly detected by systemic examinations. They will feel like a node in the front third of the neck, and can cause swallowing difficulties. We differentiate functional (toxic) and nonfunctional adenomas. Functional adenomas independently and uncontrollably produce thyroid hormones, without the activation of the pituitary gland. Pathos-histological treatment can reveal whether the adenoma is benign or malignant.
Epithelial malignant thyroid tumors may be mature (papillary and follicular) or immature (medullary and anaplastic).
Thyroid Cancer
Epithelial malignant thyroid tumors may be mature (papillary and follicular) or immature (medullary and anaplastic). Malignant thyroid tumors are very rare and makeup 1% of all malignant tumors. These most often occur in women between the ages of 30 and 45. Telltale symptoms include difficulty in swallowing or breathing. The carcinoma cancers are can be removed in a surgical procedure.
Papillary carcinoma
This is the most common thyroid cancer making up about 70% of all thyroid cancer. It is diagnosed more often until the age of 40, though it can be long unknown. For years it can remain localized in the gut, and its tissue resembles that of the thyroid gland. This type of cancer has the best prognosis. It is treated with surgery and radioactive iodine.
Follicular carcinoma
This is the second most frequent cancer (about 20% of all thyroid cancer), and its subtype Hurthle cell carcinoma rarely occurs. It also resembles thyroid tissue. It occurs mainly in middle and late age, often in endemic goiters. It can travel through the bloodstream. It has a good prognosis and is treated with operational and radioactive iodine.
Malignant thyroid tumors are very rare and makeup 1% of all malignant tumors.
Medullary cancer
This is a rare type thyroid cancer (4-9% of all thyroid cancer). It occurs in the middle and late ages, mostly sporadic, as a single nodule in the thyroid gland, but can be spread by the lymph. The prognosis is good, especially in the familial form of the disease, but still worse in relation to mature cancer. The appearance of metastases in lymph nodes exacerbates the prognosis of the disease. It is treated with surgery and radioactive iodine and extraordinary radiation (radiotherapy) and chemotherapy.
Anaplastic cancer
This is the earliest histological type of thyroid cancer (2-5% of all thyroid cancer), but extremely aggressive. It is treated by surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Although thyroid cancer is difficult to deal with, the good news is that in most cases, it’s extremely treatable. If you suspect you have any sort of thyroid condition, please do not hesitate to contact a doctor. Early detection is key!
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