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Familial papillary thyroid cancer: a case report
K C Loh1, J C Lo, F S Greenspan
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of California San Francisco, USA.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Papillary thyroid cancer typically occurs sporadically. This case suggests a potential familial link, with a patient and her mother diagnosed with this thyroid malignancy, hinting at a possible genetic basis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is known to have familial occurrences, often linked to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type II.
- Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is predominantly sporadic, with rare familial clustering reported in specific contexts like radiation exposure or inherited syndromes.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during surgery for an adenomatous nodule.
- Her mother had a similar thyroid malignancy diagnosed 33 years prior.
- Several maternal relatives had a history of Graves' disease or hypothyroidism.
Findings:
- This case presents a potential familial aggregation of papillary thyroid cancer.
- The family history includes multiple instances of thyroid disease, suggesting a possible inherited predisposition.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that papillary thyroid cancer may have a familial component not previously recognized.
- Further research into the genetic basis of familial papillary thyroid cancer is warranted.
- This could impact screening protocols and genetic counseling for families with a history of thyroid cancer.