by Mary J. Shomon
The August 25, 2000 issue of the magazine Science reported on the results of research that can have an impact on people with suspicious thyroid nodules.
According to the researchers, follicular thyroid tumors include abnormal cells that contain what are known as "fusion genes." These genes are not found in normal tumors, and are a marker for the presence of follicular cancer, one of the four types of thyroid cancer.
Typically, a suspicious nodule is examined using ultrasound and/or fine needle aspiration, to rule out the suspicion of cancer, or to make a diagnosis. Frequently, the results of these tests are inconclusive, and patients required sometimes unnecessary surgery to remove the tumor and assess it for cancer.
The researchers have found that the fine needle aspiration process can be used to test for the presence of the fusion genes, which allows a more definite diagnosis - or ruling out - of follicular cancer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THYROID NODULES AND CANCER
- Nodules, Goiter and Enlarged Thyroids -- Discusses how a nodule is evaluated and treated, and how to know if a nodule is actually a sign of thyroid cancer.
- An Introduction to Thyroid Cancer -- For basic information related to thyroid cancer or diagnosis of suspicious nodules or tumors, with more info about the diagnosis, treatment, long-term followup and support for thyroid cancer.
- Cancer of the Thyroid -- Articles and website links providing detailed information.
- Thyroid Nodules -- Articles and website links providing detailed information.
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