[Molecular basis of tumors arising in thyroid follicular cells]

Tumours arising from the thyroid follicular cell have proven to be a very useful model for studying the molecular genetics of tumour development. This review summarises our current knowledge of the principal abnormalities of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes associated with the major sub-types of thyroid tumour. The pattern which emerges demonstrates well how successive genetic abnormalities drive clonal progression. In addition, comparison of follicular and papillary sub-types provides a fascinating example of how the nature of the underlying genetic abnormality may determine the clinico-pathological behaviour of the resulting tumour. The potential impact of this molecular data on clinical management is also discussed.