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What to expect with genetic testing to determine thyroid cancer?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Most recently, thyroid cancer patients have been able to benefit from genetic testing for thyroid cancer. As ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. writes, "Genetic testing of the RET proto-oncogene should be performed in all patients with MTC (medullary thyroid cancer) to determine whether there are genetic changes that predict the development of MTC. In individuals with these genetic changes, removal of the thyroid during childhood has a high probability of being curative."
Related Article Link: Facts about Thyroid Cancer
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
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How is genetic testing for breast cancer done?
Genetic testing for the breast cancer genes is doing via blood testing. Previous counseling is a normal requirement.
How can breast cancer genetic testing benefit someone?
Breast cancer genetic testing benefits women by giving them the information they need to adjust medical and lifestyle choices to best fit their situation. Genetic testing also helps put the mind at ease rather than wondering what their genetic background is.
What is Thyroid Cancer and How Can It Be Treated and Prevented?
What is thyroid cancer?The thyroid is a gland that is located in the throat. It is responsible for producing hormones that control things such as breathing, metabolism, heartbeat and temperature. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow and divide abnormally.< /p>What are some of the symptoms of thyroid cancer?People who are in the early stages of thyroid cancer usually will not show any signs or symptoms. As this condition progresses, a person may experience difficulty swallowing, increased hoarseness in their voice and swollen lymph nodes. People who notice any symptoms should see a physician immediately.< h4> What causes thyroid cancer? Doctors have not been able to identify the exact cause of thyroid cancer. However, they do believe that a genetic mutation can increase a person's risk of developing it. They also believe that there is a link between radiation and exposure and thyroid cancer.What are some of the treatments available for thyroid cancer?Most people with thyroid cancer will have to get all or part of their thyroid removed. The physician may also elect to remove the lymph nodes in the neck. People who get their thyroid removed will have to a medication such as Levothroid and Synthroid. These medications supply the body with the hormones that thyroid normally produces.Radioactive Iodine treatment may also be recommended after a patient gets his thyroid remove. Radioactive Iodine is given in the form of capsule or liquid and it helps destroy the cancer that was not removed during the surgery. This procedure may also be recommended for people whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.What can be done to prevent thyroid cancer?There really is not anything that can be done to prevent thyroid cancer. People who are at an increased risk for developing thyroid cancer because of their family history should see a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor may recommend that a person get his thyroid removed.
Does a cold nodule in the thyroid mean cancer?
If an endocrinologist asks you to undergo a thyroid uptake scan, you will have to take a small amount of radioactive isotope that will get absorbed by the thyroid gland. Within 24 hours of swallowing the radioactive isotope, pictures will be taken of your thyroid. This test helps to determine if a thyroid nodule is an active part of the thyroid tissue or not. When the nodule comes back as 'cold' this means that it didn't absorb as much of the radioactive isotope; as it would be expected by tissue that is an active part of the thyroid gland. A 'cold' nodule doesn't necessarily mean that you have cancer. It just means that your doctor might want to undergo further testing to determine if there is a need to monitor the nodule or surgically remove it.
Can you refuse genetic testing?
Yes, but if you have a family history of diseases - especially cancer - your children can still be tested.
When was Thyroid Cancer Canada created?
Thyroid Cancer Canada was created in 2002.
Why is medical screening important for the presence of cancer causing genes?
It is important to get DNA screening for certain types of cancer, because you can determine your risk of getting those cancers, and you can take preventative measure and/or get check-ups more often. Especially for situations such as breast, ovarian, cervical, and colon cancers, you can get genetic testing for those proto-oncogenes at any time for a fairly small fee, now that bioinformatics and genetic testing is more common.
Why was I asked to get a calcitonin blood test done?
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by medullary thyroid cancer. If you are asked to get a calcitonin blood test done, this is more than likely because your endocrinologist is trying to determine if you might have this type of thyroid cancer or not.
Is Thyroid Cancer a disease?
According to ThyCa (Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.) thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among men and women, affecting people from young children through seniors. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 62,980 new cases of thyroid cancer in the U.S. in 2014. Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when detected early. However, some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.
Is thyroid cancer a deadly disease?
An estimated 1,590 people will die of thyroid cancer during 2009. Thyroid cancer is, however, considered one of the least deadly and most survivable cancers, and 5-year survival rates for thyroid cancer is almost 97%. For more information on this cancer please visit http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidcancer/a/neckcheck.htm
Cancer ribbon color for thyroid cancer?
The thyroid cancer awareness ribbon represents the three thyroid cancer colors of teal, pink, and blue. These three colors are also ThyCa's designation.
What are reasons for cancer nowadays?
There are extraneous factors and internal factors that can cause cancer. The extraneous factors include chemical factors, like nitrosamines, physical factor, such as radiation, and biological factors, like RNA virus. The internal factors include inherent causes, Immune factors, as well as Endocrine factors. Therefore, not only enviromental, inherent reasons, but also eating habits, work-rest habits can also determine whether a person will get cancer or not. However, the most important thing is not to cure cancer but to forecast cancer and to prevent cancer. Now genetic testing for cancer is available. I have ever seen a website about genetic testing for cancer at CD Genomics website. Hope this is more helpful for us.
