Diseases

Follicular Carcinoma

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Cancer of the gland in front of the neck that normally produces thyroid hormone which is important to the normal regulation of the metabolism of the body. There are 4 major types of thyroid cancer -- papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.

SYMPTOMS

Enlarged neck lymph nodes that are concerning for cancer include those that are non-tender, firm, growing, and/or do not shrink over time. Patients with compressivesymptoms, enlarged lymph nodes, hoarseness, and/or a rapidly growing nodule should seek medical evaluation right away.

CAUSES

Follicular thyroid cancer occurs in a slightly older age group than papillary thyroid cancer and is also less common in children. In contrast to papillary cancer, it occurs only rarely after radiation therapy. Mortality is related to the degree of vascular invasion.