Thyroid cancer Flashcards
Thyroid cancers rarely secrete thyroid hormones. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
Name the 5 types of thyroid cancer
Papillary 70%
Follicular 20%
Medullary 5%
Anaplastic 1%
Lymphoma Rare
What demographic normally get papillary thyroid cancer?
Young females
good prognosis
Medullary thyroid cancer is associated with what condition?
MEN IIa and IIb
What thyroid cells are affected in Medullary cancer? And what does this tumour secrete as a result?
Cancer of parafollicular (C) cells,
=> secrete calcitonin
Describe the management of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
- total thyroidectomy
- followed by radioiodine (I-131) to kill residual cells
What type of thyroid cancer is often resistant to treatment?
Anaplastic
Describe the histological appearance of Papillary carcinoma
papillary projections and pale empty nuclei
What type of metastases are common in Papillary carcinoma?
Lymph node metastasis
Describe the histological appearance of Follicular carcinoma
- macroscopically encapsulated
- microscopically capsular invasion
- often invades vasculature
How do medullary carcinomas usually metastasise?
Both lymphatic and haematogenous metastasis
*nodal disease assoc. with a very poor prognosis.
Anaplastic carcinoma is commonly found in which demographic?
Elderly female
How are anaplastic carcinomas treated?
- resection where possible
- palliation may be achieved through isthmusectomy and radiotherapy
Chemotherapy is ineffective
