Which of the following are considered bad prognostic factors for thyroid cancer?

In evaluating prognostic factors for thyroid cancer, age, grade, extent of disease, size of the tumor, and sex are critical elements that significantly influence outcomes.

Age is a well-known factor, as older patients generally have a worse prognosis compared to younger patients. This difference is primarily attributed to the aggressiveness of the cancer that tends to increase with age. The grade of the tumor relates to how differentiated the cancer cells are; poorly differentiated tumors have a poorer prognosis. The extent of disease, which refers to how far the cancer has spread, is crucial for prognosis since localized disease presents a better outcome than metastatic disease. The size of the tumor also plays a significant role; larger tumors are associated with a higher risk of metastasis and therefore a worse prognosis. Lastly, sex can impact outcomes, with males often experiencing a more aggressive disease course compared to females.

This combination of factors makes the choice that focuses on age, grade, extent, size, and sex the most comprehensive and aligned with established prognostic indicators in thyroid cancer. By recognizing these factors, clinicians can better stratify risk and tailor management plans for thyroid cancer patients.