Papillary Thyroid Cancer Causes And Symptoms

Papillary thyroid cancer causes - As with other forms of cancer, the exact cause of papillary thyroid cancer is unknown. Although there are indications that malignant thyroid tumors are formed due to gene mutations, these mutations why not begin to be known.

In general, the thyroid cells become malignant as genetic malformations cause them to mutate accordingly. As a result, cells begin to grow and multiply and, unlike healthy cells they do not die, complete the normal life cycle. Gradually the cells are so numerous that they are a tumor. Now they can not only propagate to attack healthy tissue elsewhere in the body.

It is believed that the development of papillary thyroid cancer genes corresponding to the following:

• The gene RET / PTC. Mutations in this gene are found in 10-30% of patients with papillary thyroid cancer, most of which - children and people exposed to radiation;
• The genre BRAF. Mutations in the BRAF gene are found in 30-70% of patients. In contrast, mutations in the RET / PTC, BRAF mutations occur less frequently in children and people exposed to radiation. Scientists believe that mutations in the BRAF gene cause an aggressive form of cancer that often metastasizes metastasis - danger everywhere.

The researchers also suggest that the possible relationship between the development of papillary thyroid cancer with changes in genes NTRK1 and BMO. However, in order to identify the triggers of these changes and to determine whether this is the form of cancer, more research is needed.



Papillary thyroid cancer symptoms

Papillary thyroid carcinoma cancer develops slowly and in many early-stage patients, they do not have any symptoms. Often is the first sign of cancer that women ignore this type becomes painless seal on the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones.

For the neck; In many cases, it can be detected by touch or visual inspection. This is called a thyroid tumor node. Although it's no harm, the appearance of the site is enough to go to the doctor.

Other symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer may include:

• A sore throat;
• Difficult swallowing and breathing;
• Hoarse voice.

Although in most cases these symptoms do not indicate a serious illness, if they do not go away within a few weeks, you should consult your doctor.

In the late stages of symptom, papillary thyroid cancer may increase lymph nodes in the neck. They may increase for other reasons - for example, due to an infectious disease. After the infection, the size of the lymph nodes returns to normal; If this does not happen for a long time, it is highly recommended to undergo a medical examination.

Risk factors

Although the exact cause of papillary thyroid cancer is unknown, but known risk factors that increase the chance to increase the disease. Each of these factors increases the risk of each of the four major types of thyroid cancer:

• Thyroid cancer (each type) family history;
• The Struma in a personal or family history;
• Exposure to radiation (caused by therapy, testing at nuclear power stations or nuclear weapons);
• Total body irradiation, prior to bone marrow transplantation;
• A family or personal history of certain genetic syndromes, such as Cowden syndrome (a condition characterized by benign tumor formations on the skin and mucous membranes known as hamartomas).

Some risk factors are only associated with papillary thyroid cancer. First, it's the sexual identity: women develop this form of cancer much more often than men.

Second, papillary thyroid cancer: it is curable occurs most often in people between 30 and 50 years. In other age groups, the chance of this type of cancer is much lower, but this does not mean that this possibility is completely ruled out. It is noted that in patients over 50 years of age, more aggressive forms of papillary thyroid cancer, although rarely.

Papillary thyroid cancer is very good to treat, especially as early diagnosis. Therefore, patients at risk of developing this form of cancer (for example, if they suffer from a patient's relatives) should undergo regular medical examinations.

*Image source : National Cancer Institute

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. womenhealthnetnl.bitballoon.com
3. American Cancer Society