Papillary thyroid cancer overview: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
{{Papillary thyroid cancer}}
{{Papillary thyroid cancer}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Ammu}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Sahar}} {{Ammu}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
In 1811, the first thyroid cancer case was reported. Thyroid cancer was first described by William Stewart Halsted, an American surgeon in the late nineteenth century. Papillary thyroid cancer may be classified according to histological subtypes into 4 subtypes: classical/follicular variant, oxyphil cell variant, tall cell variant, and solid cell growth pattern variant. On gross pathology, a painless enlarging mass is a characteristic finding of papillary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, Orphan Annie eye nuclear inclusions and [[psammoma]] bodies are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the ''RET'' gene and [[BRAF|''BRAF'' gene]]. The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer is approximately 16.3/100,000 for women and 5.6/100,000 for men in 2008 in United States. Females are more commonly affected with papillary thyroid cancer than males. The female to male ratio is approximately 3:1. If left untreated, patients with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common complications of papillary thyroid cancer include [[vocal cord compression]], [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with papillary thyroid cancer. The 5 year event free survival rate is 51% for stage 4 disease. [[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer.
There is limited information about the historical perspective of papillary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer may be [[classification|classified]] according to [[histological]] subtypes. The most common subtypes include conventional, follicular and tall cell form. The exact [[pathogenesis]] of papillary thyroid cancer is not fully understood. Papillary thyroid cancer has been associated with somatic rearrangement of [[RET protooncogene]]. On [[gross pathology]], an ill-defined [[tumor]], irregular borders, and firm consistency are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer. There is no unique consensus on the definition of [[histological]] subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer is [[Cause|caused]] by a [[mutation]] in the ''[[RET]]'' [[gene]] and ''[[BRAF]]'' [[gene]]. Papillary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause neck mass, such as [[branchial cleft cyst]], [[thyroglossal duct]] cyst, cystic metastasis, [[Neurofibroma|multiple neurofibromas]], and other [[thyroid cancers]]. The [[incidence]] of [[thyroid cancer]] is approximately 15.8 per 100,000 men and women annually. Papillary cancer [[incidence]] has increased by 4.4% per year from 1974 till 2013. The majority of papillary thyroid cancers manifest in individuals between the ages of 20 to 55. It is more common among women, with female to male ratio of approximately 3:1. Common risk factors in the development of papillary thyroid cancer are [[radiation|radiation exposure]], [[family history]] of thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency. If left untreated, [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common [[complications]] of papillary thyroid cancer include [[vocal cord]] compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor [[prognosis]] among [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer. The 10-year [[survival rate]] papillary thyroid cancer is 99%. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) there are 4 stages of papillary thyroid cancer based on the [[clinical features]] and findings on [[imaging]]. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designate the [[tumor]] size, number of involved [[lymph node]] regions, and [[metastasis]]. Papillary thyroid cancer is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation. There are no established criteria for the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. The [[biopsy]] is the gold standard test for the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include swelling in the neck, [[pain]] in the front of the [[neck]], and [[hoarseness]] of voice. [[Patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for [[thyromegaly]], [[lymphadenopathy]] and [[anxiety]]. [[Laboratory findings]] consistent with the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer include presence of [[tumor markers]] such as [[thyroglobulin]]. [[Thyroglobulin]] can be used as a [[tumor marker]] for well-[[Cellular differentiation|differentiated]] papillary thyroid cancer. An [[x-ray]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on an [[x-ray]] [[diagnostic]] of [[metastasis]] to the [[lungs]] or other [[tissues]]. [[CT scan]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on [[CT scan]] suggestive of papillary thyroid cancer include [[Adenopathy|nodal]] [[Mass|masses]] suggesting [[metastasis]] to the [[lymph node]]. [[MRI]]  may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. It may be suggestive of [[lymph node]] involvement as the first presentation of papillary thyroid cancer on [[MRI]] [[imaging]]. Neck [[ultrasound]] may be performed to detect papillary thyroid cancer.  [[Ultrasound imaging]] findings suggestive of [[malignant]] [[thyroid nodule]] include [[microcalcification]], peripheral and coarse [[calcification]], [[solid]], hypoechoic [[nodule]], locally invaded [[nodule]], and presence of posterior acoustic shadowing. Treatment options for papillary thyroid cancer differes according to the [[stage]] and [[invasion]] of the [[tumor]] and include [[surgery]], [[external beam radiation therapy]] ( [[external beam radiation therapy|EBRT]]), Thyroid suppression therapy, and targeted therapy. [[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. [[Surgical]] [[interventions]] of papillary thyroid cancer include total [[thyroidectomy]] and [[lobectomy]]. Each of these has its [[Indications and usage|indications]].
 
==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
In 1811, the first thyroid cancer case was reported. Thyroid cancer was first described by William Stewart Halsted, an American surgeon in the late nineteenth century.
There is limited information about the historical perspective of papillary thyroid cancer.
 
==Classification==
==Classification==
Papillary thyroid cancer may be classified according to histological subtypes into 4 subtypes: classical/follicular variant, oxyphil cell variant, tall cell variant, and solid cell growth pattern variant.
Papillary thyroid cancer may be [[classification|classified]] according to [[histological]] subtypes. The most common subtypes include conventional, follicular and tall cell form.
 
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
On gross pathology, a painless enlarging mass is a characteristic finding of papillary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, Orphan Annie eye nuclear inclusions and [[psammoma]] bodies are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer.
The exact [[pathogenesis]] of papillary thyroid cancer is not fully understood. Papillary thyroid cancer has been associated with somatic rearrangement of [[RET protooncogene]]. On [[gross pathology]], an ill-defined [[tumor]], irregular borders, and firm consistency are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer. There is no unique consensus on the definition of [[histological]] subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer.
 
==Causes==
==Causes==
* Papillary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the ''RET'' gene and [[BRAF|''BRAF'' gene]].
Papillary thyroid cancer is [[Cause|caused]] by a [[mutation]] in the ''[[RET]]'' [[gene]] and ''[[BRAF]]'' [[gene]].
 
==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
Papillary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause neck mass, such as [[branchial cleft cyst]], [[thyroglossal duct]] cyst, cystic metastasis, and [[Neurofibroma|multiple neurofibromas]].
Papillary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause neck mass, such as [[branchial cleft cyst]], [[thyroglossal duct]] cyst, cystic metastasis, [[Neurofibroma|multiple neurofibromas]], and other [[thyroid cancers]].
 
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer is approximately 16.3/100,000 for women and 5.6/100,000 for men in 2008 in United States. Females are more commonly affected with papillary thyroid cancer than males. The female to male ratio is approximately 3:1.
The [[incidence]] of [[thyroid cancer]] is approximately 15.8 per 100,000 men and women annually. Papillary cancer [[incidence]] has increased by 4.4% per year from 1974 till 2013. The majority of papillary thyroid cancers manifest in individuals between the ages of 20 to 55. It is more common among women, with female to male ratio of approximately 3:1.
 
==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
Common risk factors in the development of papillary thyroid cancer are [[radiation|radiation exposure]], [[family history]] of thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency.
Common risk factors in the development of papillary thyroid cancer are [[radiation|radiation exposure]], [[family history]] of thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency.
==Natural history, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural history, Complications and Prognosis==
If left untreated, patients with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common complications of papillary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with papillary thyroid cancer. The 5 year event free survival rate is 51% for stage 4 disease.
If left untreated, [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common [[complications]] of papillary thyroid cancer include [[vocal cord]] compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor [[prognosis]] among [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer. The 10-year [[survival rate]] papillary thyroid cancer is 99%.
 
==Staging==
==Staging==
According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)<ref> Stage Information for Thyroid Cancer  Cancer.gov
According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) there are 4 stages of papillary thyroid cancer based on the [[clinical features]] and findings on [[imaging]]. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designate the [[tumor]] size, number of involved [[lymph node]] regions, and [[metastasis]].
(2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq#link/stoc_h2_2- Accessed on October, 29 2015</ref> there are 4 stages of papillary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designate the tumor size, number of involved [[lymph node]] regions, and [[metastasis]].
==Diagnostic Study of Choice==
 
Papillary thyroid cancer is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation. There are no established criteria for the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. The [[biopsy]] is the gold standard test for the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer.
==History and Symptoms==
==History and Symptoms==
The hallmark of papillary thyroid cancer is swelling in the neck. A positive history of irradiation of head and neck, rapid growth of the nodule, and family history of papillary thyroid cancer is suggestive of papillary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include swelling in the neck, [[pain]] in the front of the neck, and [[hoarseness]] of voice.  
The most common symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include swelling in the neck, [[pain]] in the front of the [[neck]], and [[hoarseness]] of voice.
 
==Physical Examination==
==Physical Examination==
Patients with papillary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of patients with papillary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for [[thyromegaly]], [[lymphadenopathy]] and [[anxiety]].
[[Patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of [[patients]] with papillary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for [[thyromegaly]], [[lymphadenopathy]] and [[anxiety]].
 
==Laboratory Findings==
==Laboratory Findings==
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer include elevated T3, elevated T4, decreased [[thyroid stimulating hormone]], and presence of tumor markers such as [[thyroglobulin]].
[[Laboratory findings]] consistent with the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer include presence of [[tumor markers]] such as [[thyroglobulin]]. [[Thyroglobulin]] can be used as a [[tumor marker]] for well-[[Cellular differentiation|differentiated]] papillary thyroid cancer.
 
==Chest x-ray==
==Chest x-ray==
Chest x-ray are not commonly performed in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer.
An [[x-ray]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on an [[x-ray]] [[diagnostic]] of [[metastasis]] to the [[lungs]] or other [[tissues]].
 
==CT==
==CT==
[[CT]] scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer.
[[CT scan]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on [[CT scan]] suggestive of papillary thyroid cancer include [[Adenopathy|nodal]] [[Mass|masses]] suggesting [[metastasis]] to the [[lymph node]].
 
==MRI==
==MRI==
[[MRI]]  may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. MRI may also be performed to detect metastases of papillary thyroid cancer to [[brain]] and [[bones]].
[[MRI]]  may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of papillary thyroid cancer. It may be suggestive of [[lymph node]] involvement as the first presentation of papillary thyroid cancer on [[MRI]] [[imaging]].
 
==Echocardiography or Ultrasound==
==Echocardiography or Ultrasound==
[[Ultrasound|Neck ultrasound]] may be performed to detect papillar thyroid cancer.
Neck [[ultrasound]] may be performed to detect papillary thyroid cancer. [[Ultrasound imaging]] findings suggestive of [[malignant]] [[thyroid nodule]] include [[microcalcification]], peripheral and coarse [[calcification]], [[solid]], hypoechoic [[nodule]], locally invaded [[nodule]], and presence of posterior acoustic shadowing.
 
==Other Imaging Findings==
==Other Imaging Findings==
Other imaging studies for papillary thyroid cancer include radioiodine scan, which demonstrates increased uptake of radioactive iodine at the areas of [[metastases]] and [[laryngoscopy]] which demonstrates vocal cord immobility.  
Other [[imaging]] studies for papillary thyroid cancer include [[radioiodine scan]], which demonstrates increased uptake of radioactive [[iodine]] at the areas of [[metastases]] and [[laryngoscopy]] which demonstrates vocal cord immobility.
 
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
Other diagnostic studies for papillary thyroid cancer include mRNA measurement, which demonstrates residual metastatic disease.
There are no other [[diagnostic]] studies associated with papillary thyroid cancer.
 
==Biopsy==
On [[biopsy]], follicular thyroid cancer is characterized by trabecular, solid, follicular tumor cells that invade tumor capsule or surrounding vascular structures.
 
==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
Patients with papillary thyroid cancer are treated with  radioactive iodine therapy, hormone therapy and targeted medical therapy.
Treatment options for papillary thyroid cancer differes according to the [[stage]] and [[invasion]] of the [[tumor]] and include [[surgery]], [[external beam radiation therapy]] ( [[external beam radiation therapy|EBRT]]), Thyroid suppression therapy, and targeted therapy.  
 
==Surgery==
==Surgery==
[[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer.
[[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. [[Surgical]] [[interventions]] of papillary thyroid cancer include total [[thyroidectomy]] and [[lobectomy]]. Each of these has its [[Indications and usage|indications]].
 
==Primary Prevention==
==Primary Prevention==
Effective measures for the prevention of papillary thyroid cancer include avoidance of diets low in iodine and avoidance of [[radiation exposure]].
Effective measures for the prevention of papillary thyroid cancer include avoidance of diets low in iodine and avoidance of [[radiation exposure]].
==Secondary Prevention==
There are no established measures for the [[secondary prevention]] of papillary thyroid cancer.
==Reference==
==Reference==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Endocrine system]]
[[Category:Endocrine system]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]

Revision as of 16:01, 19 August 2019

Papillary thyroid cancer Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Papillary thyroid cancer from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Staging

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

X Ray

CT

MRI

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Papillary thyroid cancer overview On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Papillary thyroid cancer overview

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Papillary thyroid cancer overview

CDC on Papillary thyroid cancer overview

Papillary thyroid cancer overview in the news

Blogs on Papillary thyroid cancer overview

Directions to Hospitals Treating Papillary thyroid cancer

Risk calculators and risk factors for Papillary thyroid cancer overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sahar Memar Montazerin, M.D.[2] Ammu Susheela, M.D. [3]

Overview

There is limited information about the historical perspective of papillary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer may be classified according to histological subtypes. The most common subtypes include conventional, follicular and tall cell form. The exact pathogenesis of papillary thyroid cancer is not fully understood. Papillary thyroid cancer has been associated with somatic rearrangement of RET protooncogene. On gross pathology, an ill-defined tumor, irregular borders, and firm consistency are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer. There is no unique consensus on the definition of histological subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the RET gene and BRAF gene. Papillary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause neck mass, such as branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst, cystic metastasis, multiple neurofibromas, and other thyroid cancers. The incidence of thyroid cancer is approximately 15.8 per 100,000 men and women annually. Papillary cancer incidence has increased by 4.4% per year from 1974 till 2013. The majority of papillary thyroid cancers manifest in individuals between the ages of 20 to 55. It is more common among women, with female to male ratio of approximately 3:1. Common risk factors in the development of papillary thyroid cancer are radiation exposure, family history of thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency. If left untreated, patients with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop metastasis. Common complications of papillary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, dysphagia, and dyspnea. The presence of metastasis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with papillary thyroid cancer. The 10-year survival rate papillary thyroid cancer is 99%. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) there are 4 stages of papillary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designate the tumor size, number of involved lymph node regions, and metastasis. Papillary thyroid cancer is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation. There are no established criteria for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. The biopsy is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, and hoarseness of voice. Patients with papillary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of patients with papillary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for thyromegaly, lymphadenopathy and anxiety. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer include presence of tumor markers such as thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin can be used as a tumor marker for well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer. An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on an x-ray diagnostic of metastasis to the lungs or other tissues. CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on CT scan suggestive of papillary thyroid cancer include nodal masses suggesting metastasis to the lymph node. MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. It may be suggestive of lymph node involvement as the first presentation of papillary thyroid cancer on MRI imaging. Neck ultrasound may be performed to detect papillary thyroid cancer. Ultrasound imaging findings suggestive of malignant thyroid nodule include microcalcification, peripheral and coarse calcification, solid, hypoechoic nodule, locally invaded nodule, and presence of posterior acoustic shadowing. Treatment options for papillary thyroid cancer differes according to the stage and invasion of the tumor and include surgery, external beam radiation therapy ( EBRT), Thyroid suppression therapy, and targeted therapy. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. Surgical interventions of papillary thyroid cancer include total thyroidectomy and lobectomy. Each of these has its indications.

Historical Perspective

There is limited information about the historical perspective of papillary thyroid cancer.

Classification

Papillary thyroid cancer may be classified according to histological subtypes. The most common subtypes include conventional, follicular and tall cell form.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathogenesis of papillary thyroid cancer is not fully understood. Papillary thyroid cancer has been associated with somatic rearrangement of RET protooncogene. On gross pathology, an ill-defined tumor, irregular borders, and firm consistency are characteristic findings of papillary thyroid cancer. There is no unique consensus on the definition of histological subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer.

Causes

Papillary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the RET gene and BRAF gene.

Differential Diagnosis

Papillary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause neck mass, such as branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst, cystic metastasis, multiple neurofibromas, and other thyroid cancers.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence of thyroid cancer is approximately 15.8 per 100,000 men and women annually. Papillary cancer incidence has increased by 4.4% per year from 1974 till 2013. The majority of papillary thyroid cancers manifest in individuals between the ages of 20 to 55. It is more common among women, with female to male ratio of approximately 3:1.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of papillary thyroid cancer are radiation exposure, family history of thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency.

Natural history, Complications and Prognosis

If left untreated, patients with papillary thyroid cancer may progress to develop metastasis. Common complications of papillary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, dysphagia, and dyspnea. The presence of metastasis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with papillary thyroid cancer. The 10-year survival rate papillary thyroid cancer is 99%.

Staging

According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) there are 4 stages of papillary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designate the tumor size, number of involved lymph node regions, and metastasis.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Papillary thyroid cancer is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation. There are no established criteria for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. The biopsy is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer.

History and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of papillary thyroid cancer include swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, and hoarseness of voice.

Physical Examination

Patients with papillary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of patients with papillary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for thyromegaly, lymphadenopathy and anxiety.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer include presence of tumor markers such as thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin can be used as a tumor marker for well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer.

Chest x-ray

An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on an x-ray diagnostic of metastasis to the lungs or other tissues.

CT

CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Findings on CT scan suggestive of papillary thyroid cancer include nodal masses suggesting metastasis to the lymph node.

MRI

MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. It may be suggestive of lymph node involvement as the first presentation of papillary thyroid cancer on MRI imaging.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Neck ultrasound may be performed to detect papillary thyroid cancer. Ultrasound imaging findings suggestive of malignant thyroid nodule include microcalcification, peripheral and coarse calcification, solid, hypoechoic nodule, locally invaded nodule, and presence of posterior acoustic shadowing.

Other Imaging Findings

Other imaging studies for papillary thyroid cancer include radioiodine scan, which demonstrates increased uptake of radioactive iodine at the areas of metastases and laryngoscopy which demonstrates vocal cord immobility.

Other Diagnostic Studies

There are no other diagnostic studies associated with papillary thyroid cancer.

Medical Therapy

Treatment options for papillary thyroid cancer differes according to the stage and invasion of the tumor and include surgery, external beam radiation therapy ( EBRT), Thyroid suppression therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. Surgical interventions of papillary thyroid cancer include total thyroidectomy and lobectomy. Each of these has its indications.

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the prevention of papillary thyroid cancer include avoidance of diets low in iodine and avoidance of radiation exposure.

Secondary Prevention

There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of papillary thyroid cancer.

Reference