Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

A type of squamous cell carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common form of thyroid cancer. Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that produces and releases hormones.

While papillary thyroid carcinoma can occur at any age, it is most frequently seen in adults younger than 40. For unknown reasons, it affects more women than men. 

Papillary thyroid carcinoma causes and risk factors

Like all cancers, papillary thyroid carcinoma begins when healthy cells undergo abnormal changes that cause them to multiply uncontrollably. The excess cells then accumulate and form tumors. Although the precise causes of the cellular changes that lead to papillary thyroid carcinoma are not well understood, scientists have identified a few risk factors, including:

• A family history of thyroid cancer
• A genetic defect

High-dose external radiation treatment delivered directly to the neck, especially during childhood, is also known to increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer. However, radiation delivered intravenously for medical testing or treatment is not a risk factor.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma signs and symptoms

In many cases, the first and only noticeable warning sign of papillary thyroid carcinoma is a small lump in the neck that can be seen or felt. However, it is important to note that approximately 90% of thyroid nodules are benign.

If left untreated, a growing throat nodule may begin to press on the surrounding tissues, which can cause:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Food or pills getting stuck in the throat after being swallowed
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Vocal hoarseness

Papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis

To evaluate a thyroid nodule, a physician may order:

• Blood work to check for tumor markers
• Ultrasound scans of the neck and thyroid to further evaluate the mass
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the neck to gauge the size of the tumor
• Thyroid function testing to determine if the gland is functioning normally
• Laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord mobility
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to determine if the lump is cancerous

A biopsy is the only way to confirm or rule out a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Genetic testing may also be performed on a biopsy sample to check for genetic changes (mutations) that can be targeted with treatment.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma treatment

Thyroid cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If necessary, the entire thyroid gland may be removed. After surgery, many patients receive radioactive iodine therapy, which is taken by mouth. The purpose is twofold:

• To help destroy any remaining cancer cells
• To improve the clarity of follow-up imaging scans, which can help a physician detect a cancer recurrence

If the entire thyroid gland is removed, the patient will receive thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life in order to replace the hormones normally produced and released by the thyroid. The patient’s thyroid hormone levels will be continually monitored through periodic blood work.

If surgery is not an option, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) may be considered.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt’s outstanding research team is actively pursuing breakthroughs in thyroid cancer treatment through our robust clinical trials program, which also provides our patients with unique opportunities to be among the first to benefit from promising new options that are not yet available in other settings. Our progress to date has earned us a Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute, and we are the only Florida-based cancer center to hold this distinction.

If you would like to learn more about papillary thyroid carcinoma, you do not need a referral to consult with a specialist in the Thyroid Clinic at Moffitt. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.