There are various types of thyroid cancer; some of them are more aggressive than others. As a result, learning about them can help prevent this condition and even treat it on time.

Types of thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland and is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells which leads to the formation of a lump or nodule. The different types of thyroid cancers include:

• Papillary thyroid cancer
  This is one of the most common types of thyroid cancer. It is commonly seen in middle-aged women. Since this condition spreads slowly, it is not as and more amenable to treatment.

• Medullary thyroid cancer
  This form of cancer usually starts in non-thyroid cells known as C cells. This causes a protein called calcitonin to increase in the blood level. Blood tests can help detect this form of cancer.

• Follicular thyroid cancer
  This form of cancer occurs in the follicular cells of the thyroid. It commonly affects those who are more than 50 years old. In its advanced stages, this form of cancer is known as Hurthle cell cancer and can be difficult to treat, as it spreads faster and has a possibility of recurrence.

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer
  This is the most dangerous type of thyroid cancer that occurs in the follicular cells. It is difficult to treat with a success rate of only 10%.

• Thyroid lymphoma
  This is a rare form of thyroid cancer that starts in the immune cells.

Preventive measures:

Unlike other diseases, this type of cancer is not so easy to prevent as its cause is unclear. Many risk factors can increase the chances of developing it. The preventative measures for thyroid cancer focus more on the risk factors.

The following are risk factors for this type of cancer:

• Middle-aged women and elderly men are more at risk
• Women have a higher chance of developing this cancer
• Asians are more at risk
• Exposure to radiation at the head and neck region can be a risk
• Some genetic conditions make a person more susceptible to thyroid cancer
• A family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer increases the risk of this cancer.

Some of the measures that can be taken to prevent thyroid cancer are:

• Consuming a healthy diet can prevent cancer. Moreover, reducing animal fats and eating more fruits and vegetables is a must. Consuming fatty fish and nuts helps the body get omega-3 fatty acids that prevent cancer.
• It is important to prevent exposure to radiation.
• Screening is one of the most important preventive measures to take. Regular screening (once in a year or two years) can help detect thyroid cancer at an early stage.
• Those who have a family history of thyroid cancer can consider genetic tests. They can detect mutations that can cause medullary thyroid cancer.