When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a thyroid nodule or tumour, understanding the specifics of the condition is the first step toward clarity. One of the most common initial questions patients ask is, ‘What type of thyroid cancer do I have, and how many types of thyroid cancer are there?’
The answer helps medical teams determine your exact treatment plan. While all these conditions originate in the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, they behave very differently under a microscope. In general, oncologists recognise four types of thyroid cancer, each with its own growth patterns, treatment pathways, and long-term outlooks.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of thyroid cancer to help you understand what a specific diagnosis means.
1. Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
The vast majority of diagnoses fall under the category of differentiated thyroid cancer types. The word ‘differentiated’ means that when the cancer cells are viewed under a microscope, they still look and act a lot like normal, healthy thyroid cells. Because of this, they tend to grow slowly and respond exceptionally well to standard medical treatments.
There are two primary differentiated thyroid cancer types you should know about.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer
This is by far the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for roughly 80% to 85% of all recorded cases (Lee, 2003). It can develop at any age, though it is frequently diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50 (Dmour et al., 2016).
While there are technically a few specific papillary thyroid cancer types classified by pathologists, such as the classic variant, the follicular variant, or the rarer tall cell variant, They are all generally grouped together. Papillary tumours grow very slowly. Even if they spread to the lymph nodes in your neck, they remain highly treatable and carry an excellent cure rate.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer
Making up about 10% of cases, follicular cancer is the second most common form. It is more frequently seen in adults over the age of 50 and in regions of the world where people do not get enough iodine in their diets (Franceschi, S., 1998).
When looking into the specific types of follicular thyroid cancer, doctors generally classify them by how deeply they invade surrounding blood vessels or the outer capsule of the gland. Unlike papillary cancer, follicular cells rarely spread to the lymph nodes, preferring instead to travel through blood vessels to distant areas like the lungs or bones if left untreated. Hürthle cell carcinoma, a slightly more aggressive form, is also frequently categorised within this group.
2. Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer is less common, representing less than 5% of all diagnoses (Gild et al., 2023). Unlike the differentiated forms, this type does not develop from the standard follicular cells that make thyroid hormone. Instead, it originates in the C-cells of the thyroid, which are responsible for producing a completely different hormone called calcitonin.
When looking at the types of medullary thyroid cancer, specialists divide them into two categories:
- Sporadic Medullary Cancer: This accounts for about 80% of medullary cases, occurs by chance, is not inherited, and typically develops in older adults.
- Familial Medullary Cancer: This form is passed down through families due to a specific genetic mutation in the RET gene. It can occur in children or young adults and is sometimes linked to tumours in other hormone-producing glands.
Because medullary cells do not absorb iodine, traditional radioactive iodine therapy does not work for this type. Treatment relies heavily on precise surgical removal and targeted modern molecular medications.
3. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest and most aggressive form of the disease, making up less than 1% of total cases (Arunachalam, Madhavan and Meleveedu, 2025). It is an undifferentiated cancer, meaning the cells look completely abnormal and do not resemble healthy thyroid tissue at all.
This type typically occurs in adults over the age of 60. Because it grows and spreads rapidly throughout the neck structures, it requires immediate, aggressive medical attention. While it presents a much tougher clinical challenge, recent advancements in targeted genetic therapies are providing newer, more effective options for patients managing this complex diagnosis.
Overview of Thyroid Cancer Types Prognosis
Your long-term outlook is deeply tied to the specific cellular makeup of your tumour. When discussing the thyroid cancer types’ prognosis, medical databases track patient outcomes using five-year relative survival rates:
| Cancer Category | Common Subtypes | Growth Speed | 5-Year Survival Rate |
| Differentiated | Papillary & Follicular | Very Slow to Moderate | Greater than 98% |
| Medullary | Sporadic & Familial | Moderate | Roughly 90% |
| Undifferentiated | Anaplastic | Very Rapid | Around 8% to 12% |
Note: These statistics represent large groups of patients. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on early detection, your age at diagnosis, and how completely the tumour can be surgically removed.
CTA: Worried about yours or a loved one’s thyroid cancer treatment? Consult Dr Amit to find the right treatment plan
Identifying Your Specific Type
Determining exactly which of the types of thyroid cancer you have requires a straightforward diagnostic process. Doctors typically start with an ultrasound of the neck, followed by a fine needle aspiration biopsy. During this quick procedure, a tiny needle collects a small sample of cells directly from the nodule so a pathologist can identify the exact cell type.
Knowing the precise identity of the cells ensures that your healthcare team can design a highly targeted treatment roadmap, avoiding unnecessary procedures while maximising your path to a full recovery.
Take the Next Step
Every thyroid diagnosis requires an individualised approach backed by specialised expertise. Dr. Amit Chakraborty and his team specialise in the accurate diagnosis, precise staging, and advanced treatment of all forms of thyroid tumours, ensuring you receive the highest standard of personalised medical care.
Book a consultation at Dr Amit’s Cancer Care. Call or WhatsApp: +91 86577 17988
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist or healthcare professional regarding diagnosis and treatment decisions.
References
Arunachalam, J., Madhavan, P. and Meleveedu, K.S. (2025) ‘Survival trends in older adults with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC): a SEER database study’, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 43(16_suppl), p. e18164. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.e18164.
Dmour, S., Al-Maaitah, A.A., Eren, T., Ekinci, O. and Alimoglu, O., 2016. Prevalence of BRAF Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Dicle Medical Journal, 43(4), pp. pp.569-575.
Franceschi, S., 1998. Iodine intake and thyroid carcinoma – a potential risk factor. Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes, 106(S 03), pp.S38-S44.
Gild, M.L., Clifton-Bligh, R.J., Wirth, L.J. and Robinson, B.G. (2023) ‘Medullary thyroid cancer: updates and challenges’, Endocrine Reviews, 44(5), pp. 934–946. doi: 10.1210/endrev/bnad013.
Lee, J.C. (2003) ‘Papillary thyroid cancer: the most common’, Endocrine Reviews, 24, pp. 102–132.
Jun 25, 2024 
