papillary thyroid carcinoma

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) Overview

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases [12]. PTC tends to grow slowly and usually develops in only one lobe of the thyroid gland.

Characteristics

• Most Common Type: PTC is the most common type of thyroid cancer, representing 75-85% of all thyroid cancer cases [13].
• Female Preponderance: The usual female-to-male ratio of papillary thyroid cancer is approximately 2.5:1, with most of the female preponderance occurring during the fourth and fifth decades of life [14].
• Age Group: PTC occurs more frequently in women and presents in the 20-55 year age group [13].

Symptoms

While PTC can occur at any age, it most often affects people between 30 to 50 years old. Most papillary thyroid cancers are small and respond well to treatment, even if the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.

Subtypes

There are several subtypes of papillary

Diagnostic Tests for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a type of thyroid cancer that can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the most common diagnostic tests used to diagnose PTC:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: This is the most common diagnostic test for PTC, where a doctor removes a small sample of cells from the thyroid gland using a thin needle (1, 13). The aspirated cells are then examined under a microscope to look for characteristic features of PTC.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans may be used to identify the nodule on the thyroid gland and rule out other conditions (4).
• Whole-body radioiodine scan: This test is useful in detecting possible cancer spread throughout the body after surgery for thyroid cancer (2).
• Blood tests: Blood tests such as thyroglobulin level can help diagnose PTC, especially when combined with imaging tests (3).

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to these diagnostic tests, other tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis of PTC. These include:

• Molecular testing: Molecular testing of cytologic aspirates may assist in preoperative diagnosis of PTC (11).
• Tumor markers: Tumor markers such as TSH, Tg, and TgAb can help diagnose and stage PTC (8).

References

1. FNAB is considered the best first-line diagnostic procedure for a thyroid nodule.
2. Whole-body radioiodine scans can be useful to look for possible cancer spread throughout the body after surgery for thyroid cancer.
3. Blood tests alone cannot tell the extent of a diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer, but may be used in combination with imaging tests.
4. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans may be used to identify the nodule on the thyroid gland and rule out other conditions.
5. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is considered the best first-line diagnostic procedure for a thyroid nodule.
6. To see if the cancer has spread from the thyroid to other parts of your body, you may have a CT (computerised tomography) scan and/or a PET (positron emission...).
7. This promising study identifies 2 miRNAs that

Treatment Options for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a type of thyroid cancer that can be treated with various drug therapies, in addition to surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. The most useful drugs for the treatment of PTC after surgery are levothyroxine and radioiodine.

• Levothyroxine: This hormone replacement therapy helps regulate thyroid function and is often prescribed to patients who have undergone thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland). Levothyroxine can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: Also known as radioactive iodine ablation, this treatment involves taking a small dose of radioactive iodine orally or through an injection. The radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland, killing any remaining cancer cells.

For metastases (spread of cancer to distant parts of the body), palliation with antineoplastic agents may be useful. Antineoplastic agents, such as doxorubicin, can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs, such as cabozantinib-S-malate, have also been approved for the treatment of PTC. These drugs specifically target and kill cancer cells, reducing the risk of recurrence and metastasis.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these drug therapies, other treatment options may be considered for patients with PTC, including:

• Surgery: Surgery is often the first line of treatment for PTC, and may involve removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or a portion of it.
• Radiation therapy: External radiation therapy may be used to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery.

References

1. The most useful drugs for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinomas (a relatively common well-differentiated thyroid cancer) after surgery are levothyroxine and radioiodine. For metastases, palliation with antineoplastic agents (eg, doxorubicin) may be useful. [4]
2. Targeted therapy drugs, such as cabozantinib-S-malate, have also been approved for the treatment of PTC. [5]