Etymed
follicular thyroid carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor of the thyroid gland that originates from follicular cells
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with a painless neck mass that has been slowly growing over several months. Physical examination reveals a firm, fixed nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy shows malignant follicular cells with psammoma bodies. The tumor is diagnosed as follicular thyroid carcinoma.
Mnemonic
Follicular carcinoma = 'Follicles' that 'Fall' through lymphatic spread
These morphemes also unlock…
- follicul/o — follicle
- thyroid — thyroid gland
- carcin/o — cancer
- -oma — tumor; mass