The thyroid gland manages the body’s metabolism. It also releases hormones, which direct various functions in the body. This includes the ability to consume oxygen, produce heat, and use energy. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells mutate or change. The abnormal cells start to multiply in the thyroid and once there are many of these cells, a tumor is formed. This is known as thyroid cancer.

1. What are the rare types of thyroid cancer?
A few rare types of thyroid cancer include:

• Thyroid sarcomas
  Sarcomas that occur in the thyroid gland are rare. These are aggressive tumors, which most probably develop from vascular or stromal tissue in the thyroid gland. Malignancies that appear as sarcomas must be distinguished from anaplastic carcinomas. Total thyroidectomy is the ideal treatment for thyroid sarcomas. Apart from this, the affected person can consider radiation therapy in an adjunctive setting.
• Primary thyroid lymphoma
  This type of thyroid cancer occurs in the lymphatic system where the organs and tissues store, produce, and carry white blood cells. Usually, lymphoma develops within lymph nodes. However, in rare instances, it occurs from lymphocytes that exist in the thyroid gland. This condition is known as primary thyroid lymphoma.

It is likely to occur in people who have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune condition wherein the thyroid gland is affected by lymphocytes. However, it is essential to know that while Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common medical condition, primary thyroid lymphoma is rare. Primary thyroid lymphoma represents less than 2 percent of all lymphomas that occur outside the lymph nodes and lower than 5 percent of thyroid malignancies. No other risk factors that cause primary thyroid lymphoma have been detected. Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation is not clearly linked to primary thyroid lymphoma. This, however, affects women more than men. It commonly happens between the ages of 65-75.

• Hurthle cell carcinoma
  It is also referred to as oxyphilic cell carcinoma. It accounts for around three percent of all thyroid cancers and is a subtype of follicular carcinoma. It is a unique type of tumor as it grows quite aggressively, thereby accounting for around 3 percent to 5 percent of all types of thyroid cancer.

2. Diagnosis of thyroid cancer

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Genetic testing
• Imaging tests
• Removing a sample of the thyroid tissue

3. Treatment of thyroid cancer
If thyroid cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be successfully treated and cured. Some of the various treatment recommendations are:

• Surgery
• Thyroid hormone therapy
• Radioactive iodine
• Chemotherapy
• External radiation therapy