This document discusses risk factors and molecular genetics related to carcinoma of the thyroid gland. It notes that radiation exposure, family history, and certain genetic syndromes can increase cancer risk. Radiation exposure under 2000 cGy linearly increases risk, which is maximum 20-30 years later. Familial syndromes like MEN2A and MEN2B are associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma. The RET proto-oncogene plays a role in thyroid cancers, and mutations cause developmental syndromes and increase cancer risk. Other tumor suppressors like p53 and cell cycle regulators can also be mutated in thyroid cancers.