Thyroid Cancer - Papillary Carcinoma
Alternate Names : Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid
Definition Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the most common cancers of the thyroid gland. Other types of thyroid cancer include: anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, follicular carcinoma of the thyroid, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and lymphoma of the thyroid.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
About 70-75% of all thyroid cancers diagnosed in the United States are papillary carcinoma. It is more common in females than in males.
The cause of this cancer is unknown. However, mutations that effect cell growth in the thyroid may play a role.
Exposure to external radiation to the neck increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. The risk for developing thyroid cancer continues for approximately twenty years after the thyroid is exposed to high-doses of radiation. Intravenous exposure to radiation for medical tests and treatments, however, does not increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
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