Non-medullary thyroid carcinoma refers to several types of thyroid cancer that do not originate in the medullary cells of the thyroid. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are common subtypes. Treatment may include surgery, treatment with radioactive iodine, and thyroid hormone replacement. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for non-medullary thyroid carcinoma is based on the examination of 11 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for non-medullary thyroid carcinoma is included along with 13 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Endocrine and Genitourinary Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Neoplasms and Precancerous Malformations, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 19 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
- For unknown reasons, they occur three times more frequently in women. Although they can occur at any age, the risk in women is higher at lower ages (40-60 years) compared to men (60-79 years).
- Radiation exposure is a proven risk factor, including radiation sources such as medical treatments, as well as exposure to nuclear weapons or power plant accidents, depending directly on the amount and inversely on age. It is unclear how much imaging studies (X-rays and CT scans) might increase the risk of thyroid or other cancers since the doses are much lower.
- People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of thyroid cancer as their body mass index increases.
- Follicular thyroid cancers are more common in areas where the diet is low in iodine. However, a diet high in iodine may increase the risk of papillary thyroid cancer.
- White or Asian people are more likely to develop thyroid cancer, but the disease can affect a person of any race or ethnicity.
Symptoms
Most thyroid cancers do not cause symptoms and usually go unnoticed. However, it is possible to present the following manifestations:
- If the nodules are large, they may be visible or palpable. Fortunately, only 1 in 20 turns out to be malignant.
- If the size is more extensive, they can cause:
- Swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, pain in the front of the neck, sometimes reaching the ears.
- Hoarseness, persistent voice changes, constant cough not due to a cold.
It is essential to consider that thyroid nodules are common and usually benign and that many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions or other cancers in the same area.
Prevention
Most people with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors, so it is difficult to prevent this disease. Therefore, it is essential to try to avoid associated risk factors.
- Avoid exposure to radiation, especially in childhood, including imaging studies (X-rays and CT scans), since it is not known how much they may increase the risk of thyroid cancer (or other cancers) unless absolutely necessary, in which case the lowest possible radiation dose should be used.
- To prevent obesity, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, including iodine intake, and a healthy and active lifestyle with regular physical exercise.
