Differentiated Thyroid Cancer is categorized into which two types?

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer primarily encompasses two main types: Papillary and Follicular thyroid cancers. These types are characterized by their distinct histological features and clinical behaviors, which significantly impact treatment approaches and prognosis.

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type, making up the majority of differentiated thyroid cancer diagnoses. It generally has a favorable prognosis and tends to grow slowly. It often presents with distinct nuclear characteristics, such as overlapping nuclei and nuclear grooves, and may show a propensity for lymphatic spread.

Follicular thyroid cancer, while less common than its papillary counterpart, is also classified as differentiated thyroid cancer. It typically arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and can sometimes invade surrounding structures. The prognosis for follicular thyroid cancer is generally favorable as well, although it can be slightly less favorable than that of papillary thyroid cancer.

The other options present types of thyroid cancer that do not fall under the differentiated category. Medullary thyroid cancer, for example, arises from the parafollicular C cells and is considered a less differentiated form of thyroid cancer with distinct genetic components and a different management strategy. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an aggressive form that represents undifferentiated cancer, often associated with a poor prognosis.