And although it can occur at any age, it generally affects people ages 30 to 50. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer. Different types of thyroid cancer are more likely to affect different age groups. Certain hereditary genetic syndromes may also play a role. And exposure to high levels of radiation, for instance, radiation therapy to the head or neck for other cancers, can increase your risk. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer. There are other things that can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer. However, most cancers are very treatable and the prognosis for most patients with thyroid cancer is excellent. Because we're able to detect small thyroid cancers with new technology, the rate of thyroid cancer incidence has gone up. There are several different kinds of thyroid cancer. Sometimes these cells invade nearby tissue, and can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Where healthy cells typically die, these abnormal cells grow and grow and eventually form a tumor. When thyroid cells mutate, changes to their DNA cause them to grow and multiply. It's an important gland responsible for producing hormones that control a lot of vital functions in your body, such as your heart and your heart rate, your blood pressure, your body temperature, and your weight. What is the thyroid? This is a butterfly shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck.

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In this video, we'll cover the basics of thyroid cancer: What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms. Mabel Ryder, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic.

Painful lymph node on back of neck