ABSTRACT
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) accounts for most malignancies and arises from the follicular cell. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is undifferentiated and may arise from pre-existing differentiated tumor or de novo. The principle subtypes of DTC are papillary and follicular. Their prevalence is partly dependent upon iodine intake in a particular geographic area. The exact etiology of DTC remains largely unknown; however, the two most significant risk factors associated with its development are exposure to ionizing radiation and a positive family history for the disease. Somatic alterations in genes affecting several signal transduction pathways have been demonstrated in thyroid cancer and can be broadly classified into point mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Thyroidectomy with or without lymphadenectomy is the mainstay of treatment for DTC and should aim to gain local control of disease, preserve function, provide accurate staging, and prevent loco regional recurrence.
