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Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is cancer of the thyroid gland that starts in cells that release a hormone called calcitonin. Such cells are called "C" cells.
Alternative NamesThyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma); MTC
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is unknown.
Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, MTC is less likely to be caused by radiation therapy to the neck given to treat other cancers during childhood.
There are two forms of MTC:
- Sporadic MTC, which does not run in families. Most MTCs are sporadic. This form mainly affects older adults.
- Inherited MTC runs in families.
You have an increased risk of this type of cancer if you have:
- A family history of MTC
- A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
- A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism
Other types of thyroid cancer include:
- Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
- Follicular tumor of the thyroid
- Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Thyroid lymphoma
- Breathing problems due to narrowing of airways
- Cough
- Cough with blood
- Diarrhea
- Goiter(enlarged thyroid)
- Lump on thyroid gland
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. However, an examination of the thyroid may reveal single or multiple nodules (lumps).
Other tests that may be used to diagnose MTC may include:
- Calcitoninblood test
- CEA blood test
- Genetic testing
- Thyroid biopsy
- Thyroid scan
- Ultrasound of the thyroid
Patients with MTC should be checked for certain other tumors, especially pheochromocytoma.
TreatmentTreatment involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes. Because this is an uncommon tumor, surgery should be performed by a surgeon who is familiar with this type of cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well for this type of cancer. Radiation is used in some patients after surgery. There are a number of new treatments currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Support GroupsFor additional information, see cancer support groups.
Expectations (prognosis)Approximately 86% of those with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 10-year survival rate is 65%.
ComplicationsComplications may include:
- Cancer spreads to other areas of the body
- Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
PreventionPrevention may not be possible. However, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. There are some recommendations regarding removing the thyroid gland in people who have a very strong family history of MTC. You should carefully discuss this option with a Doctor Who is very familiar with the disease.
ReferencesLadenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 244.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines in Oncology 2010: Thyroid Cancer. Version 1.2010.
Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is cancer of the thyroid gland that starts in cells that release a hormone called calcitonin. Such cells are called "C" cells.
Alternative NamesThyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma); MTC
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is unknown.
Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, MTC is less likely to be caused by radiation therapy to the neck given to treat other cancers during childhood.
There are two forms of MTC:
- Sporadic MTC, which does not run in families. Most MTCs are sporadic. This form mainly affects older adults.
- Inherited MTC runs in families.
You have an increased risk of this type of cancer if you have:
- A family history of MTC
- A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
- A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism
Other types of thyroid cancer include:
- Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
- Follicular tumor of the thyroid
- Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Thyroid lymphoma
- Breathing problems due to narrowing of airways
- Cough
- Cough with blood
- Diarrhea
- Goiter(enlarged thyroid)
- Lump on thyroid gland
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. However, an examination of the thyroid may reveal single or multiple nodules (lumps).
Other tests that may be used to diagnose MTC may include:
- Calcitoninblood test
- CEA blood test
- Genetic testing
- Thyroid biopsy
- Thyroid scan
- Ultrasound of the thyroid
Patients with MTC should be checked for certain other tumors, especially pheochromocytoma.
TreatmentTreatment involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes. Because this is an uncommon tumor, surgery should be performed by a surgeon who is familiar with this type of cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well for this type of cancer. Radiation is used in some patients after surgery. There are a number of new treatments currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Support GroupsFor additional information, see cancer support groups.
Expectations (prognosis)Approximately 86% of those with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 10-year survival rate is 65%.
ComplicationsComplications may include:
- Cancer spreads to other areas of the body
- Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
PreventionPrevention may not be possible. However, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. There are some recommendations regarding removing the thyroid gland in people who have a very strong family history of MTC. You should carefully discuss this option with a doctor who is very familiar with the disease.
ReferencesLadenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 244.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines in Oncology 2010: Thyroid Cancer. Version 1.2010.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 03/02/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is a pentagastrin stimulation test?
In doubtful cases of medullary carcinoma of thyroid, a pentagastrin stimulation test is done. Pentagastrin 0.5 µg/kg is given intravenously. Levels increase in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid but remain unchanged in normals.
What is the scientific name of bladder cancer?
The scientific name for bladder cancer is "urothelial carcinoma," formerly known as "transitional cell carcinoma." Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for the majority of cases. It originates in the urothelial cells, which line the inside of the bladder and the urinary tract. Other less common types of bladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, but urothelial carcinoma is the most prevalent.
What are the survival rates for medullary thyroid cancer?
Eighty percent of patients with medullary thyroid cancer will live for at least 10 years after surgery.
Which one is Slow growing tumor of thyroid?
Papillary carcinoma of thyroid (excellent prognosis)
What is the medical term meaning Malignant tumor of the thyroid?
The medical term for a malignant tumor of the thyroid is thyroid carcinoma.
What are the Four main types of thyroid cancer?
Papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic
What is a preoperative diagnostic?
A preoperative diagnostic is a test that distinguishes benign from malignant thyroid carcinoma based on gene expression. Accurate diagnosis of thyroid tumors is challenging. A particular problem is distinguishing between follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and benign follicular thyroid adenoma. This test helps with the accuracy.
What are alternative names for thyroid disease?
Some alternate names for thyroid disease are: Grave's Disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid struma, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma...just to name a few.
What has the author Jacob Willis written?
Jacob Willis has written: 'Studies on carcinoma of the thyroid gland'
The Different Types of Thyroid Cancer?
Located in the front of your lower neck, the thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. It is responsible for how the body uses energy by producing proteins and determining how sensitive the body is to hormones. Thyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland but can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of thyroid cancer can include neck swelling, persistent cough, swelling in the neck, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and problems swallowing. There are four types of thyroid cancer: papillary, anaplastic, medullary, and follicular. The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary carcinoma and usually affects women under 45. It is the least dangerous type of cancer as it spreads more slowly, which enables earlier detection. Most people with this type of thyroid cancer are cured and can expect to have a normal life span. The rarest form, anaplastic carcinoma, also is the most dangerous type of thyroid cancer. It spreads rapidly, usually ruling out a quick surgical removal, and does not respond well to radiation therapy. No matter how aggressive the treatment, this type of thyroid cancer is usually deadly. Medullary carcinoma has a genetic basis, as it tends to appear among families. This cancer occurs in those non-thyroid cells generally present in the thyroid. The treatment outcomes vary greatly, with younger women tending to experience better outcomes than most patients. Accounting for a tenth of all thyroid cancers, follicular carcinomas often are fast growing but highly treatable. Most patients with this type of thyroid cancer can expect to be fully cured. The most common form of treatment is surgery, with the entire gland being removed. It is very common for lymph nodes to be removed at this time as well. Radiation therapy often is used, either through x-ray radiation or ingesting radioactive iodine. Chemotherapy can be used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, but this is rarely effective for any but a small number of patients.
Pathological classification of thyroid tumor in animal?
A true thyroid tumor would be a carcinoma. However, there is the possibility of metastasis of a tumor from another part of the body, at which point it could be just about anything.
Why was I asked to get a calcitonin blood test done?
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by medullary thyroid cancer. If you are asked to get a calcitonin blood test done, this is more than likely because your endocrinologist is trying to determine if you might have this type of thyroid cancer or not.
