What is the Difference Between Follicular and Papillary Thyroid Cancer?

Follicular and papillary thyroid cancers are the two most common types of thyroid cancer, accounting for more than 90% of all thyroid cancers. Both are classified as differentiated thyroid cancers, meaning that the cancer cells resemble normal cells under a microscope and tend to grow slowly. However, there are some differences between these two types of thyroid cancer:

1. Origin: Both follicular and papillary thyroid cancers start in the follicular cells, which are the main type of cell in the thyroid and produce and secrete hormones.
2. Aggressiveness: Follicular thyroid cancer is somewhat more aggressive than papillary cancer.
3. Spread: Follicular carcinomas do not usually spread to nearby lymph nodes, but they are more likely than papillary cancers to spread to other organs, like the lungs or the bones. Papillary carcinomas may spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck.
4. Prognosis: Treatment for both follicular and papillary thyroid cancers often offers patients a good prognosis, although follicular cancer generally has a slightly poorer survival rate.
5. Prevalence: Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all thyroid cancers. Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type.

In summary, follicular and papillary thyroid cancers are both differentiated thyroid cancers with high survival rates, but they differ in their aggressiveness, spread, and prevalence. Follicular cancer is more likely to spread to distant body parts, while papillary cancer may spread to nearby lymph nodes. However, both cancers can be treated effectively if detected early.

Comparative Table: Follicular vs Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Follicular and papillary thyroid cancers are both classified as differentiated thyroid cancers, meaning that the cancer cells resemble normal cells under a microscope. They are the two most common types of thyroid cancer and have high survival rates, often being curable. Here is a table comparing the differences between follicular and papillary thyroid cancer:

Both follicular and papillary thyroid cancers are subdivisions of differentiated thyroid carcinoma according to the World Health Organization classification. The main difference between the two is their invasiveness and survival rates, with follicular thyroid cancer being more likely to spread to distant body parts and having a slightly lower survival rate compared to papillary thyroid cancer.