Introduction

The thyroid is a small gland that is located at the base of your throat, just below the larynx. It has two lobes and is one of several glands that make up the endocrine system. This system produces hormones that help your body to function properly. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the diet, which is found in fish, seafood and dairy products. It also produces two hormones; thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which help keep the body functioning normally.

In the UK, approximately 1,400 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. It is a fairly rare type of cancer that develops slowly and is usually more common in middle-aged and older people. However, there is one type, known as papillary thyroid cancer, which often affects younger people. Overall, more women get thyroid cancer than men. It rarely affects children.

The four main types of thyroid cancer are:

—      papillary the most common type and it tends to affect younger people,

—      follicular is less common, and is usually found in older people,

—      medullary - is rare and can sometimes run in families, and

—      anaplastic is rare, is more common in older people, it grows quickly, and unlike other types of thyroid cancer, can be difficult to treat.

The outlook for most types of thyroid cancer is usually very good, and many people are completely cured of the disease, even if it has spread beyond the thyroid.

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