types of nodules found in the thyroid
Cancerous nodules are classified by the types of malignant thyroid cells they contain. These cell types include papillary, follicular, medullary, or poorly differentiated (anaplastic) cells. The prognosis for the patient depends largely on the cell type and how far the cancer has spread by the time it is discovered. In addition to thyroid cancer of the cell types mentioned, thyroid nodules may contain lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. Cancer from other sites, such as breast and kidney, also can spread (metastasize) to the thyroid gland. The cause of most thyroid nodules is not known. In certain cases, a lack of iodine in the diet can cause the thyroid gland to develop ...
The prevalence of cancer is higher in males, patients under 20 years old or over 70 years old, and patients with a history of head and neck irradiation or a family history of thyroid cancer. Solitary thyroid nodule Risks for cancer. Solitary thyroid nodules are more common in females yet more worrisome in males. Other associations with neoplastic nodules are family history of thyroid cancer and prior radiation to the head and neck. Most common cause of solitary thyroid nodule is benign colloid nodules and second most common cause is follicular adenoma. Radiation exposure to the head and neck may be for historic indications such as tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy, enlarged thymus, acne vulgaris, or current indications such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.