Summary Thyroid cancer can develop from follicular cells of the thyroid, including papillary and follicular (differentiated thyroid cancer), insular and anaplastic thyroid cancers, and those derived from C cells of the thyroid, the medullary thyroid cancers. The usual presentation and work‐up will be discussed. The initial treatment for all thyroid malignancies (lymphoma excepted) is surgery. The controversies with regard to the extent of surgery and central node dissection will be reviewed, as will the role of radioactive iodine in low‐ and intermediate‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Although limited, there is a role for external beam radiotherapy in locally‐advanced thyroid cancer, especially anaplastic, and indications will be given. The role of chemotherapy is limited, but there is increasing evidence of activity of targeted agents.