7. Aggressiveness: PTC vs. FTC – Determining the Pace
The pace at which the disease progresses, also known as the aggressiveness of the cancer, varies between PTC and FTC. This distinction helps guide the urgency and the approach of treatment strategies.
PTC tends to be less aggressive than FTC. It usually grows slowly, often remaining localized within the thyroid gland for a long time. This slow growth allows for a wide window of opportunity for treatment, contributing to the high survival rates associated with PTC.
On the other hand, FTC tends to be more aggressive and is more likely to metastasize to distant organs, particularly the lungs and bones. This more aggressive nature means that FTC might be more advanced at the time of diagnosis, which can make treatment more complex.
In essence, knowing the typical aggressiveness of these thyroid cancers enables healthcare providers to establish appropriate surveillance strategies and to prepare an optimal treatment plan. (7)
