| The predicted outcome depends on the type and stage of thyroid cancer. The age of the individual at diagnosis is an important factor in all types of thyroid cancers. Younger people have a better prognosis than do the elderly. Five-year survival rates for papillary carcinoma as estimated by the American Cancer Society are as follows: stages I and II: 100%; stage III: 96%; stage IV: 57%. For follicular cancer, the rates are stage I and II: 100%; stage III: 79%; stage IV: 47%. For medullary thyroid cancer, the rates are as follows: stage I: 100%; stage II: 97%; stage III: 79%; stage IV: 24%. All anaplastic thyroid cancer is considered stage IV and has a 5-year survival rate of only 9% ("Detailed Guide"). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor