Aetiology of Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

The aetiology of only a few malignancies is known so far: Actinic influences can produce skin cancer, cigarette smoking bronchiogenic carcinoma, Bilharzia infections cancer of the bladder etc. For the majority of other malignancies however, aetiology remains mostly unknown. A number of hypotheses exist involving chemically toxic influences, virus effects and hormonal factors to explain malignant transformations in cell lines. It is widely accepted today that the immune response of the body can modify the development of clinical cancer significantly (Hall et al. 1980). All these considerations naturally apply also to the aetiology of thyroid cancer. Estrogens, pregnancy and lactation do not have any certified significance for the aetiology of thyroid malignancy, it is even a question if these influences can modify the course of the disease (Rosvoll, Winship 1965). A few features, however, are thought to be of special importance regarding thyroid tumors.