Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

Definition

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 Names

Thyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma); MTC

Causes

The cause is unknown. Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is believed to be related to radiation therapy (a type of cancer treatment).

There are two forms of MTC:

Sporadic MTC 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 medullary carcinoma of the thyroid if you have:

A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).
A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism.

Other types of thyroid cancer include:

References

Ball DW. Medullary thyroid cancer: monitoring and therapy.Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36(3):823-37.


Thyroid cancer - CT scan


Thyroid gland

Review Date: 3/21/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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