Papillary carcinomas are abnormal cellular growths that develop in the normal tissues and can occur in the thyroid, breast and the bladder. These appear as finger-like projections when the affected tissue is examined under the microscope, the cells appearing fern-like.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)
This is one of the common types of thyroid cancer and is estimated that around 80% of all thyroid cancer are of this nature. This seems to affect individuals in the age group of 30 – 50 years and developing more among women than the male population. PTC appear as the irregular masses that develop from the thyroid tissue. The tumour that spreads beyond the thyroid does not have a good prognosis because of the high risk of local recurrence. The PTC tends to progress slowly and in the initial stages, the symptoms may not be noticeable. However, the primary indication of the tumour is the presence of a lump on the thyroid and is known as a thyroid nodule. The lump can cause symptoms such as hoarse voice, difficulty with swallowing and throat pain. Instead of the lump, in some cases, the presence of enlarged lymph node may be evident. The exact cause of PTC is not known and is associated with the genetic mutation resulting in the abnormal proliferation of the cells. This genetic mutation may in some cases be inherited making the individual susceptible toward PTC while other cases may be caused as the result of certain environmental triggers such as exposure to radiation. Some of the risk factors associated with developing any form of thyroid cancer include a family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to high levels of radiation and the presence of various genetic syndromes such as cowden syndrome. Various diagnostic tests to determine the presence of PTC includes fine needle aspiration biopsy where a sample of the affected tissue is removed to verify if it is cancerous, CT scans and blood test to assess the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH). The primary form of treatment is the surgery to remove the thyroid in a process known as a thyroidectomy. The other forms of treatment can include the radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid hormone replacement.
Papillary carcinoma of the breast
The papillary carcinoma of the breast develops in the milk ducts and can be ‘in situ’, meaning the cancer is contained where it initially develops or invasive which refers to cancer that has spread outside the duct.
The invasive papillary carcinoma of the breast is a rare form of cancer that is generally detected in women who underwent menopause phase accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer. This type of cancer has a better prognosis than the common types of invasive ductal cancer. In some cases, the cancer cells appear very small and are known as micropapillary. Although most cases may not initially present any symptoms, as the cancer advance, the signs can include the presence of a mass or a cyst that can be felt during examination and abnormal nipple discharge. This type of cancer may be detected in its early stage when it is not invasive during the routine mammogram. The treatment options of papillary carcinoma of the breast can include surgery to remove the affected tissues, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
References
http://www.cancercenter.com/breast-cancer/symptoms/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/surgery-papillary-thyroid-cancer
http://www.cancercenter.com/breast-cancer/types/tab/papillary-carcinoma/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/papillary-thyroid-cancer
