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Medullary carcinoma of thyroid |
| Definition: |
| Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is a malignancy of the thyroid gland arising from the C cell, which secretes the hormone calcitonin. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Thyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma) |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
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The cause is unknown, but is not thought to be related to radiation therapy, as opposed to other thyroid cancers. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. Risk factors are a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), a prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism. The average age at diagnosis is the mid-40s, except in patients with inherited cancer syndromes, in which the cancer often occurs earlier. Other types of thyroid cancer are papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, follicular tumor of the thyroid, thyroid lymphoma, and metastatic thyroid cancer. Approximately 700 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. |
| Symptoms: |
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| Signs and tests: |
| A physical examination reveals enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid reveals single or multiple nodules. A thyroid biopsy shows medullary carcinoma of thyroid cells. An ultrasound of the thyroid reveals a nodule. A thyroid scan shows a cold nodule. The calcitonin level is elevated. |
| Treatment: |
| Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, as well as surrounding lymph nodes, is the initial treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective. Surgical risks involve inadvertent removal of parathyroid glands or resection of nerve tissue of the larynx, which leads to serious complications. |
| Support Groups: |
| The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The expectation for this type of thyroid cancer varies, depending on the ability of surgery to remove all cancerous tissue. The 10-year survival rate (amount of people who live for at least 10 years after diagnosis) is 70 to 80%. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. |
| Prevention: |
| Awareness of risk, especially family history, may allow early diagnosis and treatment. Prevention may not be possible. |
Reviewed By: Rebecca Elstrom, M.D., Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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