Thyroid cancers are classified based upon which cell type is involved.Well differentiated cancers (in which thyroid cells are less abnormal looking) include:
Papillary thyroid cancer: This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer accounts for 80% of cases.
HÃ¼rthle cell carcinoma: This is a rare variant of papillary cancer (also known as oncocytic carcinoma).
Follicular thyroid cancer: Follicular carcinoma is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. The follicular variety accounts for 10% of cases.
Medullary thyroid cancer: This thyroid cancer type arises from the C cells in the thyroid. Medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) comprise 5% of all cases.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This rare cancer involves thyroid cells are very abnormal looking, accounting for 1% of all cases.
Lymphoma: This rare cancer is most often non-Hodgkin's B cell type.
Sarcoma: This type of thyroid cancer is very rare.