The thyroid is a butterfly shaped organ positioned in the front of the neck below the voice box. The thyroid gland produces important hormones that work toward the normal metabolism of the body. The follicular cells of the thyroid affect an individual's heart rate, energy level, and body temperature. C cells in the thyroid regulate the amount of calcium in the body. Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland. Four types of thyroid cancer exist, which include papillary, medullary, follicular, and anaplastic.Types of Thyroid CancerThyroid cancer can begin in the follicular or C cells, depending on the type of thyroid cancer an individual develops. Majority of thyroid cancer patients are diagnosed with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Most individuals are successfully treated because most types of thyroid cancer are slow to grow and spread to other organs. Patients have the best chance of survival when the cancer stays in the thyroid. Medullary and anaplastic account for a very small percentage of thyroid cancer cases. Anaplastic is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer.SymptomsEarly stages of thyroid cancer do not produce symptoms, but symptoms manifest as the cancer begins to grow. Common symptoms include a lump or mass in the front of the neck close to the Adam's apple, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, pain in the neck or throat, or swollen lymph nodes located in the neck. These symptoms can also be associated with an infection, a benign goiter or another issue associated with the thyroid.TreatmentsThe type of treatment recommended depends on the severity and specific type of thyroid cancer found in an individual. The most common type of treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery. The thyroid and any infected lymph nodes are removed during the surgery. A surgeon may recommend a lobectomy for certain patients, in which the lobe with the cancerous nodule is removed. Most patients must take thyroid hormone pills after having part or all of their thyroid removed.