Which carcinoma type is the least aggressive and most common thyroid cancer?

Papillary carcinoma is recognized as the least aggressive and most common type of thyroid cancer. It accounts for a significant percentage of thyroid malignancies and typically has a favorable prognosis. Papillary carcinoma tends to grow slowly and is often diagnosed at an early stage when it is still localized.

Patients with this type of cancer usually respond well to treatment, which often includes surgical removal of the thyroid gland and may be followed by radioactive iodine therapy. The indolent nature of papillary carcinoma leads to high survival rates, especially in younger patients and those with small tumors.

The other carcinoma types listed are more aggressive in nature. Anaplastic carcinoma is known for its rapid growth and poor prognosis, while follicular carcinoma, although generally considered less aggressive than anaplastic, still carries a higher risk of metastasis compared to papillary carcinoma. Medullary carcinoma is of a neuroendocrine origin and also tends to have a less favorable outcome compared to papillary carcinoma. Therefore, papillary carcinoma holds its position as the most common and least aggressive variant among thyroid malignancies.