The most common thyroid malignancy in adults is:
- A Follicular carcinoma
- B Medullary carcinoma
- C Papillary carcinoma ✓
- D Anaplastic carcinoma
Correct answer: C. Papillary carcinoma
Explanation
Papillary thyroid carcinoma accounts for approximately 80-85% of all thyroid malignancies, making it the most common type. It typically spreads via lymphatics to regional cervical lymph nodes and carries an excellent prognosis due to its slow growth and responsiveness to radioiodine. Follicular carcinoma spreads haematogenously and constitutes about 10-15% of cases. Medullary carcinoma arises from parafollicular C cells. Anaplastic carcinoma is rare but carries the worst prognosis.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.