天美传媒

At Dana-Farber Brigham 天美传媒, patients with thyroid cancer have access to the most advanced treatments and state-of-the-art technology, coupled with personalized, compassionate care. Our experienced team of thyroid cancer specialists will help guide you throughout your cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care.

At Dana-Farber Brigham 天美传媒, thyroid cancer care is led by a highly skilled team of endocrine surgeons and endocrinologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating this disease. For most patients, these experts provide all the care that’s needed. In more complex cases, we collaborate with additional specialists — such as medical oncologists or radiation oncologists — to create a tailored plan.

In addition to providing expert diagnosis and treatment, our clinicians and staff will support you and your family every step of the way – working with specialists and referring physicians to coordinate your care. Our team will take care of all the details so you can focus on healing.

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that makes hormones that help control energy, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Thyroid cancer begins in this gland and often causes no symptoms in its early stages. As it grows, it may lead to a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. There are several types of thyroid cancer—most grow slowly and respond well to treatment, while some are more aggressive. Treatment is typically provided by specialists in endocrine surgery (a type of surgical oncology) or head and neck surgery (otolaryngology). With expert care, the outlook for most people is excellent.

Women are roughly three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer, with most diagnoses occurring in women in their 40s and 50s and men in their 60s and 70s. In most cases, thyroid cancer does not interfere with hormone production and is not linked to common thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is classified by the type of cell where it begins. Most cases start in follicular cells, which make thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. Others begin in C cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone that helps control calcium levels in the body.

Differentiated Thyroid Cancers

These cancers start in follicular cells and usually grow slowly. Under a microscope, the cancer cells look similar to healthy thyroid cells.

• Papillary thyroid cancer: The most common thyroid cancer type, accounting for about 80% of cases. Usually grows slowly and responds very well to treatment, even if it spreads to lymph nodes in the neck. Most often diagnosed between ages 30 and 50. Rare aggressive forms can grow into nearby tissues or spread to other areas.
• Follicular thyroid cancer: Represents up to 15% of thyroid cancer cases. Less likely to spread to neck lymph nodes but more likely to spread to distant organs like the lungs or bones. Common in people over 50, and larger tumors can be more aggressive.
• Hürthle cell (Oncocytic) thyroid cancer: A rare type, now classified separately from follicular thyroid cancer. Can behave more aggressively and sometimes spreads to structures in the neck or other parts of the body. Early detection improves outcomes.
• Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer: Accounts for less than 5% of cases. More aggressive than other differentiated types and often does not respond well to standard treatments. 

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)

This rare form makes up about 2% of thyroid cancers and starts in the C cells. High calcitonin or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in the blood can help detect it early. About 25% of MTC cases are inherited due to changes in the RET gene, which can also be linked to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). MTC can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, or liver before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

The rarest and most aggressive type, accounting for 1–2% of cases. It grows and spreads very quickly and can sometimes block the airway, making it difficult to breathe. May develop from papillary, follicular, or Hürthle cell thyroid cancers that have changed over time. Requires immediate treatment.