What is Ret-Altered Papillary Thyroid Cancer?
Ret-altered papillary thyroid cancer, also known as RET-mutated papillary thyroid cancer, is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the thyroid gland. It is characterized by the presence of specific mutations in the RET gene, which is responsible for regulating cell growth and division. RET mutations are found in approximately 30-40% of papillary thyroid cancer cases and are associated with an aggressive form of the disease.
The RET gene is a proto-oncogene, meaning that its normal function is to promote cell growth and division. However, when mutated, the RET gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer. In ret-altered papillary thyroid cancer, these mutations typically occur in the tyrosine kinase domain of the RET protein, leading to the activation of the downstream signaling pathways that drive tumor growth.
In the following sections, we will discuss the prevalence of ret-altered papillary thyroid cancer, its clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and the potential for recurrence. Understanding the unique characteristics of this cancer type is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of patients.
