Molecular signatures in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) are the most frequently occurring type of thyroid malignancy (85%-90%). PTC affects females more frequently than males, with a ratio of 3:1 and can be present in any age group, the mean age at the time of initial diagnosis being ~ 40 years. Most thyroid malignancies in children are of this type. In 5-10% of the cases, there is a history of irradiation exposure to the neck. It is a slow growing, clinically indolent tumour that arises as an irregular, solid or cystic mass; fewer than 10% are surrounded by a capsule. However rare and aggressive forms with metastases can occur.