Medullary thyroid cancer: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Medullary thyroid cancer | |||
| image = [[File:Medullary_thyroid_carcinoma_-_high_mag.jpg|alt=Micrograph of medullary thyroid carcinoma|left|thumb|Micrograph of medullary thyroid carcinoma]] | |||
| caption = Micrograph of medullary thyroid carcinoma | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| synonyms = Medullary thyroid carcinoma | |||
| symptoms = [[Neck mass]], [[hoarseness]], [[dysphagia]], [[diarrhea]] | |||
| complications = [[Metastasis]], [[hypercalcemia]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| types = [[Sporadic]], [[familial]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic mutation]] | |||
| risks = [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia]] type 2, [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]], [[fine needle aspiration]], [[calcitonin]] levels | |||
| differential = [[Papillary thyroid cancer]], [[follicular thyroid cancer]] | |||
| prevention = [[Prophylactic thyroidectomy]] in high-risk individuals | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Tyrosine kinase inhibitors]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on stage and spread | |||
| frequency = Rare, 3-5% of all thyroid cancers | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Medulaeres_SD-Ca_mit_Verkalkungen.jpg|Medullary thyroid cancer with calcifications|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Diagram_showing_after_surgery_for_medullary_thyroid_cancer_with_the_central_lymph_nodes_and_the_thyroid_gland_removed_CRUK_092.svg|Diagram showing after surgery for medullary thyroid cancer|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Medullary thyroid cancer''' ('''MTC''') is a form of [[thyroid cancer]] that originates from the [[parafollicular cells]] (also known as C cells) of the [[thyroid gland]]. These cells are responsible for the production of [[calcitonin]], a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the body. | '''Medullary thyroid cancer''' ('''MTC''') is a form of [[thyroid cancer]] that originates from the [[parafollicular cells]] (also known as C cells) of the [[thyroid gland]]. These cells are responsible for the production of [[calcitonin]], a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the body. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
MTC accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancers. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 40 to 60. Both men and women can develop MTC, but it is slightly more common in women. | MTC accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancers. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 40 to 60. Both men and women can develop MTC, but it is slightly more common in women. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
In about 25% of cases, MTC is caused by a genetic mutation in the [[RET proto-oncogene]]. This form of the disease is known as hereditary MTC and can be associated with other endocrine disorders, such as [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2]] (MEN2). | In about 25% of cases, MTC is caused by a genetic mutation in the [[RET proto-oncogene]]. This form of the disease is known as hereditary MTC and can be associated with other endocrine disorders, such as [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2]] (MEN2). | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of MTC can vary, but may include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and persistent cough. Some people with MTC may also experience diarrhea or flushing due to high levels of calcitonin. | The symptoms of MTC can vary, but may include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and persistent cough. Some people with MTC may also experience diarrhea or flushing due to high levels of calcitonin. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of MTC typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests (including a test for elevated calcitonin levels), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. A biopsy of the thyroid may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | Diagnosis of MTC typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests (including a test for elevated calcitonin levels), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. A biopsy of the thyroid may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for MTC usually involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). In some cases, additional treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. | Treatment for MTC usually involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). In some cases, additional treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for MTC varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early-stage MTC has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. However, the prognosis is poorer for advanced-stage MTC, particularly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. | The prognosis for MTC varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early-stage MTC has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. However, the prognosis is poorer for advanced-stage MTC, particularly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Thyroid cancer]] | * [[Thyroid cancer]] | ||
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* [[Calcitonin]] | * [[Calcitonin]] | ||
* [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2]] | * [[Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2]] | ||
[[Category:Thyroid cancer]] | [[Category:Thyroid cancer]] | ||
[[Category:Endocrine neoplasia]] | [[Category:Endocrine neoplasia]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:22, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Medullary thyroid cancer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Medullary thyroid carcinoma |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Neck mass, hoarseness, dysphagia, diarrhea |
| Complications | Metastasis, hypercalcemia |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | Sporadic, familial |
| Causes | Genetic mutation |
| Risks | Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, family history |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, calcitonin levels |
| Differential diagnosis | Papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer |
| Prevention | Prophylactic thyroidectomy in high-risk individuals |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy |
| Medication | Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on stage and spread |
| Frequency | Rare, 3-5% of all thyroid cancers |
| Deaths | N/A |
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a form of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid gland. These cells are responsible for the production of calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the body.
Epidemiology[edit]
MTC accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancers. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 40 to 60. Both men and women can develop MTC, but it is slightly more common in women.
Causes[edit]
In about 25% of cases, MTC is caused by a genetic mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. This form of the disease is known as hereditary MTC and can be associated with other endocrine disorders, such as Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of MTC can vary, but may include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and persistent cough. Some people with MTC may also experience diarrhea or flushing due to high levels of calcitonin.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of MTC typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests (including a test for elevated calcitonin levels), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. A biopsy of the thyroid may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for MTC usually involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). In some cases, additional treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for MTC varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early-stage MTC has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. However, the prognosis is poorer for advanced-stage MTC, particularly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
