Thyroid Cancer-Gene Mutation Confirmation

[bluestarmom187]

When I 1st found out about ThyCA I read that there are only believed to be two causes ( Neck Radiation or a Gene Mutation).
Have any of you that have been DX with thyroid cancer been told if they confirmed that you have this gene mutation? From what I have read..they have a blood test they can do to determine this mutation.

Then I wonder, has there been cases of ThyCa where the patient does not have this mutation nor any exposer to radation?

Anyway..just a question thats been rolling around in my head.lol :)

[ChitChatNine]

Very interesting and thanks so much for sharing .. if you a have a minute, maybe we can put that link into the health pages ?

I recently heard from one of my dr's about a similar gene connection to pancreatic cancer and melanoma and a DNA bloodtest marker that's available

There is so much still to be learned about Cancer.

C~

[bluestarmom187]

What I read was in a medical book but I found this on a quick search of google.
The book I read indicated that they could do a blood test to check for the BRAF/RET gene.

Now that I know what I have it would be nice to know Why I have it and if all of us who have it have this same gene mutation.


The DNA mutations that cause some forms of papillary thyroid cancer are known to involve over-activation or specific parts of the RET gene. The altered form of this gene, known as the PTC oncogene is found in 10%-30% of papillary thyroid cancers overall, and in a larger percentage of papillary thyroid cancers occurring in children and/or associated with radiation exposure. These RET mutations usually are acquired during a person's lifetime rather than being inherited. They are present only in the cancer cell and are not passed on to the patient's children. Recently scientists have discovered that many (30%-70%) papillary thyroid cancers contain a mutation of the BRAF gene. The BRAF mutation is less common in thyroid cancers in children and in those thought to arise from exposure to radioactivity -- such as around Chernobyl. Both BRAF and RET/PTC changes are thought to cause cells to grow and divide. It is extremely rare for papillary cancers to have changes in both the BRAF and RET/PTC genes. Most cases have either one or the other affected gene, and those with BRAF changes tend to have more aggressive growth and a greater likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body.
Here is the link.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_Do_we_know_what_causes_thyroid_cancer_43.asp

[redheadaussie]

I don't know about the gene mutation test you are referring to..do you have any links to it I can read up about it?
   I do know though, that when I was diagnosed with the Hurthle's cells I was totally bombarded by doctor's telling me I MUST have had head/neck radiation therapy as a child.. I kept telling them no I did not...ever!! So, one doc thought it could be a gene gone haywire somewhere along my lifetime, or even before birth ( I have some slight defects to my eye and ear)
  As Hurthle's Cells can actually appear anywhere in your body I would love to know about this test!!!