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Familial papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a new clinical entity
G Lupoli1, G Vitale, M Caraglia
1Dipartimento di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Molecolare e Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italia.
Lancet (London, England)
|February 25, 1999
Summary
Familial papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, found in 5.9% of cases, shows aggressive features. This suggests radical treatment and close monitoring are crucial for patients with a family history of thyroid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Non-medullary thyroid carcinoma often presents aggressively in familial cases compared to sporadic forms.
- Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is a subtype of thyroid cancer.
- Investigating familial patterns in PTMC is important for understanding its behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) occurs in a familial pattern.
- To identify specific clinical and prognostic features of familial PTMC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records for 119 patients diagnosed with PTMC.
- Data collected included family history of thyroid carcinoma, clinical presentation, surgical details, pathology, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Results:
- Familial occurrence of thyroid carcinoma was identified in 7 patients (5.9% of the cohort).
- In familial cases, multifocal tumors (5), bilateral tumors (3), vascular invasion (3), and lymph node metastases (4) were observed.
- Three patients experienced recurrence, and one patient with pulmonary metastases died within 11 months.
Conclusions:
- Familial PTMC was identified in 5.9% of cases.
- The familial form of PTMC exhibits unfavorable behavior, indicating the need for aggressive treatment and diligent follow-up.
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