Thyroid cancer is generally not highly malignant, and if treated properly, papillary and follicular thyroid cancer can reach normal life expectancy.
Papillary carcinoma accounts for 60%-70% of all thyroid cancers and is less malignant, with a 10-year survival rate of 88%. It is mostly seen in children or young (before 40 years old) female patients, and is slightly more malignant in the elderly. Yang Hui, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Henan Cancer Hospital
Follicular carcinoma accounts for about 10%~15% of thyroid cancer. It is less malignant, with 10-year survival rate up to 50-90%, and is mostly seen in women aged 40-60.
Medullary carcinoma accounts for 3%-10% of all thyroid cancers, with medium malignancy and a 10-year survival rate of 70-75%.