What is Follicular Thyroid Cancer (Thyroid Carcinoma)?
Follicular thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that originates from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an organ located in the lower part of the neck and produces essential hormones that regulate metabolism. This cancer develops as a result of abnormal growth and proliferation of the follicular cells in the thyroid gland.
Follicular thyroid cancer typically grows slowly and often begins as a thyroid nodule. These nodules can be felt as a lump in the neck. Over time, the cancer has the potential to spread to surrounding tissues, which is why early detection and treatment are important.
What Are the Symptoms of Follicular Thyroid Cancer?
Symptoms of this cancer may include:
-
Thyroid Nodule: It often begins with the presence of a nodule or mass in the thyroid gland. These nodules can be felt as a lump or firm mass in the neck.
-
Neck Pain or Discomfort: As thyroid nodules grow or begin to press on surrounding tissues, there may be a sensation of pain or discomfort in the neck.
-
Voice Changes: Large thyroid nodules may press on the vocal cords, leading to voice changes.
-
Difficulty Swallowing and Breathing: Large nodules can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.
-
Thyroid Hormone Changes: Since follicular thyroid cancer originates from follicular cells that produce thyroid hormones, it can affect hormone levels, leading to deviations from normal levels.
-
Often Asymptomatic: In some cases, it may be discovered incidentally without causing any symptoms. Therefore, thyroid nodules can be detected during routine screening or physical examination.
It is important to remember that not all thyroid nodules are cancerous. Medical evaluations, such as biopsy or imaging, are typically used to determine whether a nodule is cancerous. If a person notices a thyroid nodule or any abnormality in the neck area, they should consult a healthcare professional. As with all cancers, early diagnosis significantly affects treatment success in follicular thyroid cancer.
What Are Genetic Tests for Follicular Thyroid Cancer and Risk Assessment?
Genetic tests in follicular thyroid cancer can be used to assess cancer risk, determine treatment options, and monitor response to therapy. These tests help us better understand the genetic structure of the cancer.
Follicular thyroid cancer can be associated with certain genetic syndromes, such as Cowden syndrome and Carney complex type 1. Genetic tests can be used to investigate the presence of these syndromes in patients with follicular thyroid cancer.
For individuals with a personal or family history of multiple thyroid cancer cases, genetic screening tests are recommended to assess cancer risk.
Genetic testing requires a personalized approach and should be conducted under the guidance of a genetic counselor.
The Role of Genetic Testing in Follicular Thyroid Cancer
-
Risk Assessment: Genetic tests can be used to evaluate an individual’s risk of developing cancer. This is particularly helpful when family history is unclear or risk is considered high.
-
Early Diagnosis: Individuals with a predisposition to follicular thyroid cancer may benefit from regular screening and early diagnosis. Genetic tests can guide recommendations for more frequent monitoring.
-
Treatment Response: Certain genetic factors can affect how a cancer responds to treatment. Genetic test results can help guide the development of personalized treatment plans.
Genetic Tests Used for Follicular Thyroid Cancer
-
KRAS (Codons 12, 13, 61, 117, 146) (Next-Generation Sequencing - NGS)
-
NRAS (Codons 12, 13, 61, 117, 146) (Next-Generation Sequencing - NGS)
-
HRAS (Next-Generation Sequencing - NGS)
Genetic Screening Tests Used for Cancer Risk
-
Familial Cancer Genetic Screening Tests
