The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is part of the endocrine system. Thyroid cancer is more common in women than men and most cases occur between the ages of 25-65. It most commonly presents as a nodule.
There are several types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary
- Follicular
- 1-lurthle cell
- Medullary
- Anaplastic
Thyroid Cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type and has the most favorable prognosis with >95% 5 year survival for Stage I (localized) disease. Follicular cancer is next in frequency and prognosis. It can metastasize (spread) via the blood stream to bone. 5 year survival in Stage I is 70-90% depending upon the presence of any vascular invasion within the tumor. Mixed papillary and follicular cancer can occur and has a prognosis in between that of pure papillary and follicular cancer. Hurthle cell cancer carries a similar prognosis to follicular cancer Medullary thyroid cancer may be hereditary or sporadic. Hereditary forms include: MEN (multiple endocrine neoplasia) and FMTC (familial medullary thyroid cancer). Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare but very aggressive with a median survival of several months.
Because Life Insurance Solutions works so closely with underwriters who review thyroid cancer situations, we have had great success in placing reasonable life insurance for these people.
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