Most thyroid cancers develop from which cell type?

Thyroid cancers primarily develop from follicular epithelial cells, which can differentiate into various types of cancer. Among these, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 80% of all thyroid cancers. This type of cancer originates from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, which are responsible for the production of thyroid hormones.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is characterized by its distinct histological features, such as psammoma bodies and nuclear grooves, which help in its identification. The tumor typically has a good prognosis, as it tends to grow slowly and is less likely to metastasize aggressively compared to other thyroid cancer types. Understanding the cellular origin and behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma is crucial for effective diagnosis and management in clinical practice.