Overview
Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (also called familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer or FNMTC) is a hereditary form of thyroid cancer that runs in families. Unlike medullary thyroid cancer, which arises from specific hormone-producing cells in the thyroid, nonmedullary thyroid cancer develops from the follicular cells that make up most of the thyroid gland. This includes the most common types of thyroid cancer such as papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma. The condition is considered familial when two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) are diagnosed with nonmedullary thyroid cancer without another known hereditary syndrome explaining it. People with familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma may notice a painless lump or nodule in the neck, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, or changes in their voice. Compared to sporadic (non-inherited) thyroid cancer, the familial form may appear at a younger age, involve both sides of the thyroid, and sometimes behave more aggressively with a higher chance of coming back after treatment. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), often followed by radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication is needed after surgery. Regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging is essential to watch for recurrence. The overall outlook for most patients is good, especially when the cancer is caught early, though close surveillance of family members is strongly recommended.
Key symptoms:
Painless lump or nodule in the front of the neckSwollen lymph nodes in the neckDifficulty swallowingHoarseness or voice changesFeeling of tightness in the throatNeck pain that may spread to the earsMultiple thyroid nodulesThyroid nodules appearing at a younger age than usualCancer affecting both sides of the thyroidRecurrence of thyroid cancer after treatmentBenign thyroid conditions such as goiter or thyroid nodules in family members
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Should my close family members be screened for thyroid cancer, and at what age should screening begin?,Is genetic testing recommended for me and my family, and what genes would be tested?,Do I need a total thyroidectomy, or could a partial removal be sufficient in my case?,Will I need radioactive iodine therapy after surgery, and what does that involve?,How often will I need follow-up blood tests and imaging, and for how long?,What are the signs of cancer recurrence that I should watch for?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments available for familial thyroid cancer?
Common questions about Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma
What is Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma?
Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (also called familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer or FNMTC) is a hereditary form of thyroid cancer that runs in families. Unlike medullary thyroid cancer, which arises from specific hormone-producing cells in the thyroid, nonmedullary thyroid cancer develops from the follicular cells that make up most of the thyroid gland. This includes the most common types of thyroid cancer such as papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma. The condition is considered familial when two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) a
How is Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma inherited?
Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.