What is it?

Thyroid malignancy occurs in the thyroid cells which are located in the base of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones. It occurs as a result of some mutations which allow the cells to grow and multiply. There are several types of thyroid malignancies. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form which grows in the follicular cells. It typically affects people ages 30-50. Follicular thyroid cancer arises also from follicular cells and typically affects people older than 50. Hurthle cell cancer is a rare and potentially more aggressive type of follicular thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare and also begins in the follicular cells. It is characterized by rapid growth and affects those who are older than 60. Medullary thyroid cancer begins in the C cells- cells that produce calcitonin hormone. Some thyroid malignancies may have no symptoms at all and the patient will feel pain and swelling only when they become very large. Most of the time, thyroid malignancies are cured with treatment. Females are more likely to have thyroid cancer, as well as those who were exposed to radiation in the head and neck area and those who have certain types of genetic syndromes such as MEN and Cowden’s syndrome. Thyroglossal duct cyst is a common anomaly in the development of the thyroid gland. A thyroglossal duct carcinoma (TGD carcinoma) is very rare, with most being papillary carcinomas. The cause for TGD carcinoma is unknown, and there are no predisposing factors known today.