Thyroid Cancer Flashcards
1
Q
What is papillary cancer?
A
Most common form of malignant thyroid tumour
Occurs in women aged 30-50 most often
Previous neck irradiation can increase the risk
Spreads lymphatically
Normally slow growing
Treatment with thyroidectomy and neck radio-iodine if needed
Good prognosis
2
Q
What is follicular cancer?
A
Cancer of the follicular cells Spreads haematogenous- often to bone Slow growing Treat same as papillary Good prognosis
3
Q
What is medullary cancer?
A
Associated with MEN2 gene Leads to raised calcitonin levels Spreads lymphatically (poor prognosis) and haematogenous
4
Q
What is anaplastic cancer?
A
Most severe form Locally invasive and destructive Patients often have symptoms of SVC obstruction and dysphagia Often inoperable and palliative care Affects the elderly
5
Q
What are symptoms of thyroid cancer?
A
Painless nodule in the neck- hard and immobile
Voice hoarseness and dysphagia
Thyroid function normal
6
Q
What investigations are needed?
A
Thyroid USS
Calcitonin levels
Technetium uptake scan- will be cold
Fine needle aspiration
