What is papillary thyroid cancer?

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer. The name "papillary" refers to the way that its cells are arrayed in leaflike formations called papillae. Papillary thyroid cancer tends to be slow-growing, and often remains contained within the thyroid gland. When it spreads outside of the thyroid gland, it tends to involve lymph nodes located along the front and sides of the neck. It may also directly invade other structures in the neck such as the trachea (windpipe), larynx (voice box), esophagus (swallowing tube), and surrounding nerves and muscles. In some cases, it may metastasize, spreading outside of the thyroid gland to the lungs, bones, liver, or central nervous system. Papillary thyroid cancer is usually treated with thyroid surgery, often followed by radioactive iodine therapy, and always followed by thyroid hormone treatment. Advanced cases may be treated with external beam radiation therapy.

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