Definition

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which the cells of the
thyroid gland become abnormal, grow uncontrollably,
and form a mass of cells called a tumor.

Description

Thyroid cancer is grouped into four types based on
how its cells appear under a microscope. The types are
papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic thyroid
cancers. They grow at different rates and can spread to
other parts of the body if left untreated.

The thyroid is a hormone-producing butterfly-shaped
gland located in the neck at the base of the throat. It has
two lobes, the left and the right. The thyroid uses iodine, a
mineral found in some foods, to make several of its hormones.
Thyroid hormones regulate essential body
processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature,
metabolism; and affect the nervous system, muscles
and other organs. These hormones also play an important
role in regulating childhood growth and development.
Diseases of the thyroid gland affect millions of
Americans. The most common diseases of the thyroid are
either hyperthyroidism (Graves