Thyroid Cancer Flashcards
What types of cancer can arise in the Thyroid gland?
Papillary carcinoma Follicular carcinoma Medullary carcinoma Anaplastic carcinoma Lymphoma
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
