Papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

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What are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck, just below your voicebox (larynx). The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. This system makes hormones that help control the way your body functions.

There are different types of thyroid cancer. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancer are called differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Papillary is more common than follicular. About 9 in 10 thyroid cancers (90%) are DTC. They are often treated in the same way. Most people with DTC can be cured.

The information here is about papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. We also have information about medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

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Symptoms of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

In most people, thyroid cancer develops very slowly. The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a painless lump in the neck. The lump usually gets slowly bigger. Most thyroid lumps are not cancerous (benign) but it is important to get any lump checked.

We have more information about the other symptoms of thyroid cancer.

Causes of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

We do not know what causes thyroid cancer in most people. But there are some things that may increase your risk of developing it. These are called risk factors. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get thyroid cancer. And if you do not have any risk factors, it does not mean you will not get cancer.

We have more information about the causes of thyroid cancer.

Diagnosing papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

You usually start by seeing your GP, who will examine you. They will refer you to a hospital for specialist advice and treatment if they:

  • are unsure what the problem is
  • think your symptoms could be caused by cancer.

You should be seen at the hospital within 2 weeks.

At the hospital you may have some tests including:

  • Blood tests

    Blood tests are used to check your thyroid function and general health.

  • Ultrasound of your neck

    An ultrasound helps the doctor to see the thyroid gland and the lymph nodes.

  • Biopsy

    Different types of biopsy are used. You may have a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or a core biopsy. 

You may also have some further tests. We have more information about other tests you may have to diagnose thyroid cancer.

Staging of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

The stage of a cancer describes its size and whether it has spread beyond the area of the body where it started.

We have more information about staging of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

Treating papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

The treatment you have depends on the stage of the cancer and your general health. Most people with follicular and papillary thyroid cancers are cured with treatment.

A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Treatments may include:

  • Surgery

    Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland is usually the main treatment. Your surgeon or specialist nurse can talk to you about what to expect before and after your operation.

  • Thyroid hormone therapy

    After thyroid surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone therapy.

  • Radioactive iodine

    Your doctor may suggest you have radioactive iodine after your surgery.

  • External beam radiotherapy

    Radiotherapy is sometimes used to treat papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

  • Targeted therapies

    Targeted therapies are newer drugs that target the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. They are used when thyroid cancer has spread and is no longer responding to radioactive iodine treatment.

  • Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is not usually used to treat follicular or papillary thyroid cancer. Your doctor may suggest it if the cancer comes back after other treatments.

We have more information about treating thyroid cancer.

After treatment for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer

Date reviewed

Reviewed: 01 June 2021
|
Next review: 01 June 2024

This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.

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Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum

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