Which type of thyroid cancer is characterized by the presence of psammoma bodies?

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is known for the presence of psammoma bodies, which are microscopic calcifications that can be seen in the histopathological examination of the tumor tissue. This type of thyroid cancer is the most common and typically presents with a good prognosis. The psammoma bodies are associated with the papillary architecture of the tumor, often reflecting its slow-growing nature.

In papillary thyroid carcinoma, these structures arise as a result of calcified deposits, which are formed from the necrosis of the tumor tissue. The presence of psammoma bodies is a distinctive feature that helps pathologists to differentiate papillary thyroid carcinoma from other types of thyroid cancer under the microscope.

Other types of thyroid cancer listed do not typically present with psammoma bodies. Medullary thyroid carcinoma originates from C cells and is more associated with calcitonin production rather than psammoma body formation. Follicular thyroid carcinoma arises from follicular cells and is characterized by more solid growth patterns without psammoma bodies. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, being a highly aggressive form, does not exhibit the features associated with psammoma bodies either. Thus, the presence of psammoma bodies is a key histological feature that helps identify papillary thyroid carcinoma specifically.