Heterogeneity of Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

There are 5 main histological types of thyroid cancers (TCs): papillary, follicular (also known as differentiated), poorly differentiated, anaplastic (the most aggressive form), and medullary TC, and only the latter arises from thyroid C cells. These different forms of TCs show significant variability, both among and within tumours. This great variation is particularly notable among the first 4 types, which all originate from thyroid follicular cells. Importantly, this heterogeneity is not limited to histopathological diversity only but is also manifested as variation in several genetic and/or epigenetic alterations, the numbers of interactions between the tumour and surrounding microenvironment, and interpatient differences, for example. All these factors contribute to the great complexity in the development of a tumour from cancer cells. In the present review, we summarise the knowledge accumulated about the heterogeneity of TCs. Further research in this direction should help to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to the development and diversity of TCs, paving the way toward more effective treatment strategies.