The Different Types of Thyroid Cancer

An estimated 59-million Americans suffer from thyroid conditions, and an estimated 15-million others don’t even know they have any thyroid problems. In order to bring thyroid problems to the forefront, January has been declared as Thyroid Awareness Month.

You’ve probably heard about underactive and overactive thyroid problems, and while those are extremely serious, perhaps the most alarming of these types of conditions is thyroid cancer. This devastating disease usually begins as a painless bump over the thyroid, but can soon cause debilitating symptoms.

Four Main Types of Thyroid Cancer Exist

Because this type of cancer grows so slowly and typically only spreads to the neck area, the survival rate is usually excellent. Knowing about the different types of thyroid cancer may help you to be on the lookout for any symptoms. Following is a brief overview:

• Papillary thyroid cancer. The most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, typically affects women between 30 and 40 years of age and often spreads to the neck. This variety of thyroid cancer accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all cases.
• Follicular thyroid cancer. This type of cancer is the second most common thyroid cancer, accounting for 10 to 15 percent of all cases. It does not typically spread, but when it does, it goes through the lungs, bones, and the bloodstream.
• Medullary cancer. This uncommon type of thyroid cancer seems to run in families, and makes up about five percent of all thyroid cancers. When it is inherited as a familial disease, it can be detected in genetic blood tests.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer. The most aggressive of all thyroid cancers, anaplastic thyroid cancer is found in less than five percent of all cases. Unfortunately, treatment is often ineffective.

You May Be Eligible to Receive Social Security Benefits

If you have thyroid cancer and are unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Contact the attorneys of Cuddigan Law today to speak with a lawyer about your situation and find out how we may be able to help.