Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the follicular epithelium or parafollicular epithelium of the thyroid gland and is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing rapidly worldwide. According to the data from the National Cancer Registry, the incidence of thyroid cancer among women in urban areas in China ranks 4th among all malignant tumors in women. Thyroid cancer in China will continue to grow at an annual rate of 20%.
According to the difference of origin and differentiation, thyroid cancer is divided into Papillary Thyroid arcinoma (PTC), Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC), Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), and Hypoplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). PTC is the most common, accounting for about 90% of all thyroid cancers.
PTC is the most common, accounting for about 90% of all thyroid cancers, while PTC and FTC are collectively known as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Different pathological types of thyroid cancer differ significantly in their pathogenesis, biological behavior, histological pattern, clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis. In general, DTC has a better prognosis, while ATC is extremely malignant, with a median survival time of 7-10 months and a very poor prognosis.