What causes papillary thyroid carcinoma?
PTC is most often caused by changes in your genes. Genes are little pieces of information that tell your body what to do or make. You may have been born with the genes that cause PTC. Having a close family member who has PTC increases your risk of having this condition. Your cause of PTC may be unknown. The following may increase your risk of having PTC: • Gender: Women are at higher risk of having PTC than men. • Iodine deficiency: Having too little or no iodine in your diet may cause PTC. • Radiation: Head or neck radiation earlier in life, increases your risk of having PTC. • Thyroid disease: This includes having too much thyroid hormone or an autoimmune thyroid problem (your body attacks your thyroid). What are the signs and symptoms of papillary thyroid carcinoma? You may have no signs or symptoms of PTC at first. Over time, you may have one or more lumps (nodules or goiters) in your neck. You may also have any of the following: • Difficulty swallowing. • Hoarse (rough) voice or t
