Thyroid Cancer Flashcards
What types of cancer can arise in the Thyroid gland?
Papillary carcinoma Follicular carcinoma Medullary carcinoma Anaplastic carcinoma Lymphoma PLEASE FEED MY ALLIGATOR LATER
Describe papillary carcinomas
Common malignant carcinoma (70%)
Presents 40-50
Spreads locally, metastasises to local nodes
Treated w/ surgical resection + ablative radio-iodine
Good prognosis
Describe follicular carcinomas
Common malignant carcinoma (20%)
Metastasises via bloodstream to bone
Treated w/ surgical resection + ablative radio-iodine
Good prognosis
Describe medullary carcinomas
Uncommon malignant carcinoma (5%)
Affects older adults (children in MEN IIa/IIb)
Arises from parafollicular C-cells (secrete calcitonin)
Slow growing w/ poor prognosis
Describe anaplastic carcinoma
Rare malignant carcinoma (<5%) Occurs in elderly populations Extremely locally aggressive Treated w/ thyroidectomy + external radiotherapy Poor prognosis
How do thyroid cancers typically present?
Asymptomatic thyroid nodules/lymph nodes
Hoarseness/dysphagia
Thyroid dysfunction rare
What investigations are appropriate for a thyroid cancer?
Ultrasound scan Technetium scans -Hot = Adenoma -Cold = Malignancy Fine needle aspiration/cytology
What thyroid cancer can affect children/young adults as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes IIa/IIb?
Medullary carcinoma
