Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular
Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular Causes
Everyone is susceptible to thyroid cancer; however, the thyroid is especially sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation leads in a 30% risk for thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular Definition
Follicular thyroid carcinoma (abbreviated to FTC) is a well-differentiated tumor. In fact, FTC mirrors that of the normal microscopic pattern of the thyroid. FTC originates in follicular cells and is the second most commonly-found cancer of the thyroid after papillary carcinoma.
Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular Diagnosis
Chest radiography, CT scanning, and MRI generally are not used in the initial workup of a thyroid nodule, except in patients with clear metastatic disease at presentation. These tests are typically second-level diagnostic tools and are useful in preoperative patient assessment.
Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular Symptoms and Signs
Some patients have persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms (eg, pain, stridor, vocal cord paralysis, hemoptysis, rapid enlargement) are not common. These symptoms can be caused by less severe problems.
Thyroid Carcinoma, Follicular Treatment
About 4-6 weeks after surgical thyroid removal, patients should have radioiodine to detect and destroy any metastasis and any residual tissue in the thyroid. Administer therapy until no further radioiodine uptake is seen.