Thyroid Cancer and Genetics

An abnormal gene has been found in patients with some forms of thyroid cancer., such as medullary thyroid cancer. If this cancer is diagnosed, the patient may have been born with a certain abnormal gene which may have led to the cancer. Family members may have also inherited this abnormal gene. Tests have been developed to determine who has the genetic defect long before any cancer appears. It is standard in the Multidisciplinary Endocrine Oncology Clinic to offer genetic counseling and a complete genetic evaluation to some of our thyroid cancer patients. For this reason, we work closely with the Cancer Genetics Clinic and include these clinicians on our tumor board.

Being diagnosed with a condition that causes cancer in the patient or in the patient’s family can influence how doctors treat patients. More importantly, genetic evaluation can identify other types of cancer the patient is at risk for, and physicians will be able to recommend other screening methods for early detection of these cancers. The diagnosis of a familial cancer syndrome also allows for the identification of other family members who might be at risk for developing the same types of cancer. Family members at risk then have the chance to discuss preventive measurements and screening protocols which are geared towards finding tumors at an early stage where they can be treated with greater success.