Possible Markers for Distinguishing benign and Malignant Thyroid Tumors and Predicting Malignancy in Patients with Genetic Predisposition to Cancer.

Alterations in redox metabolism play a crucial role in tumor formation; an imbalance between anti-/pro-oxidant systems may contribute to tumor formation and support its progression into a more malignant state. Thyroid cancer is characterized by a reduction in erythrocyte deformability, related to TSH levels. These alterations are less detectable in patients with benign thyroid tumors with a family history of cancer.