What is genetic testing for thyroid cancer?

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Genetic testing and thyroid cancer

Early diagnosis of cancer has a significant impact on its effective and successful treatment. Genetic testing is a safe and simple tool for early detection of various cancers, including thyroid cancer. Genetic testing can help identify people who are at higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. Doctors can also use the results of this test to decide how to treat and the necessity of surgery to remove thyroid nodules. Genetic tests are simple; But how to analyze and use their results is very important. Genetic testing for thyroid cancer can help you and your medical team make important decisions about monitoring, treatment, and risk awareness for thyroid cancer and other cancers.

Types of genetic tests for thyroid cancer

There are different genetic tests for thyroid cancer. The type of genetic testing your doctor recommends depends on the type of tumor and the type of mutation you suspect. Papillary thyroid cancer, Medullary thyroid cancer, Follicular cancer and anaplastic cancer are four types of thyroid carcinoma, click on each one to get complete information about it.

The most common types of genetic tests for thyroid cancer include the following:

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Multiple Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

How to perform genetic testing for thyroid cancer

Genetic testing is usually done by examining a sample of blood, saliva, or cells taken from the inside of the cheek. For this, first a sample of blood, saliva or lining cells is taken from inside your mouth. This is usually quick and painless. Then this sample is sent to a specialized laboratory. Using various genetic techniques, laboratory technicians examine the DNA in your sample to identify genetic changes or mutations associated with thyroid cancer.

Genetic test results are usually ready within 2 to 3 weeks. Before giving the sample, a genetic counselor or medical professional will likely talk to you about the benefits and limitations of the test, what will happen based on your results, and what kind of services or counseling will be provided after the results are received. For example, you might talk about the possibility that thyroid cancer runs in your family, how test results affect treatment decisions, and whether further testing is necessary. Also, the genetic counselor can help you better understand the test results and your options.

Most of this information and other things are given in a special form called "informed consent", which you should read carefully before the test and sign if you agree. Signing this document means that you have received all the necessary information and have decided to do the test with full knowledge.

Genetic mutations associated with thyroid cancer

Different genetic mutations may be identified in thyroid tumors. Some of the most common include mutations in the following genes:

BRAF: This is the most common genetic mutation found in thyroid cancers. Mutations in this gene are often seen in papillary thyroid cancer and can affect the growth and spread of cancer cells.
PAX8-PPAR: This gene is commonly associated with follicular thyroid cancer. Mutations in this gene can lead to abnormal growth of thyroid cells and tumor formation.
RAS: is another common mutation that is mainly associated with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Like BRAF, mutation in RAS can also play a role in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
RET/PTC: These genes are associated with medullary and papillary thyroid cancer. Mutations in these genes can cause the activation of certain signaling pathways in cells, which leads to their uncontrolled growth and proliferation. Medullary thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the C cells of the thyroid that produce the hormone calcitonin.

Knowing these genetic mutations can help doctors in diagnosing, predicting the course of the disease and choosing the best treatment method for each patient. For example, some drugs are specifically designed to target cancer cells with specific genetic mutations.

For whom is thyroid cancer genetic testing necessary?

Genetic testing is recommended for those who have at least two first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) with thyroid cancer. Also, people who have a lump in the neck that is growing rapidly should have this test done. Both of these conditions indicate that a person may be at high risk of developing thyroid cancer.

If for some reason (for example, family history) you are likely to be at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer than others, you should have your thyroid checked regularly. This will help you detect and treat any early signs of cancer early. Early detection is the key to success in thyroid cancer treatment and greatly increases the chance of complete recovery.

Also, if the results of a fine needle biopsy of suspicious thyroid cells are unclear, you may be a good candidate for genetic testing. In most cases, the thyroid lobe that contains a suspicious nodule is surgically removed; But the analysis of the node shows that there is no cancer. This means that the patient underwent an unnecessary surgery.

However, performing a genetic test before surgery will definitively determine whether the mass is cancerous or not. This can help doctors avoid unnecessary surgery in cases where the mass is benign and, on the other hand, make better decisions in cases where there is a possibility of malignancy. In other words, genetic testing can help doctors to more accurately determine whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous or not and prevent unwanted surgery for benign nodules.

Thyroid cancer risk factors

Thyroid cancer risk factors are divided into two general categories; Factors that you can control and factors that are out of your control.

The most important risk factors that you can influence are:

Overweight or obesity:

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of many cancers, including thyroid cancer.

Iodine in diet:

Excessive consumption of iodine can increase the risk of papillary thyroid cancer; While iodine deficiency may increase the risk of follicular thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer risk factors that are out of your control include:

Age:

Thyroid cancer is more likely to be diagnosed in women in their 40s or 50s. While thyroid cancer in men is usually diagnosed in the 60s or 70s.

Cowden syndrome:

This rare genetic disorder can lead to numerous thyroid problems and other health concerns.

Family history of thyroid cancer:

Family history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid cancers caused by RET gene mutation, increases the risk.

Gender:

The probability of getting thyroid cancer in women is about three times that of men.

Exposure to radiation:

Exposure to radiation, especially radiation treatments to the head and neck during childhood, can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Radiation that people receive as adults for cancer treatment, imaging, or other purposes does not usually increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer outlook

Because thyroid cancer can often be detected and treated successfully in its early stages, the prognosis for people with this disease is usually promising. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for most types of thyroid cancer (except anaplastic thyroid cancer) is about 99%; Of course, when the cancer is still localized and has not spread to other parts of the body. In other words, if the cancer is only in the thyroid gland and has not reached the tissues around it, the possibility of complete recovery is very high.

If the cancer spreads to nearby structures (ie, regional cancer), the survival rate is only slightly reduced. This shows that even if the cancer has progressed a little, there is still a high chance of recovery. However, survival rates for anaplastic thyroid cancer are significantly lower than those associated with more common thyroid cancers.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that does not have a good prognosis. For this reason, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important in the recovery of thyroid cancer patients.

Concluding Remarks

Genetic testing for thyroid cancer is not necessary for everyone. But if there is a history of thyroid cancer in your family or you have other risk factors, it is better to talk to your doctor or genetic counselor about genetic testing for thyroid cancer. Note that even if you have a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop the disease.

However, getting more information is very useful for making preventive medical decisions. In fact, if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or other factors that may increase your risk of developing this disease and make you a candidate for early intervention, genetic testing can be a good option.

Mr. Dr. Ahmad Fanai is the best thyroid cancer surgeon in Iran who performs surgeries with the most up-to-date medical equipment such as a neurometer to prevent damage to the vocal nerves and larynx. He, who is known as the Golden Paw thyroid surgeon, has a history of performing more than 5000 successful thyroid surgeries.

To schedule an appointment and consult, fill out the online reservation form or call the listed numbers.

12-21-1403

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