Medullary thyroid cancer makes up approximately 2% of all thyroid cancers and may be hereditary or sporadic.
In the inherited types, other conditions (e.g., pheochromocytoma orparathyroid hyperplasia) may be present.
Medullary thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men (with the exception of inherited MTC).
Verywell / Laura Porter
Unlike other thyroid cancers, it is not associated with exposure to radiation.
As the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid begin to grow at a rapid rate, anoduleis formed.
In the early stages of medullary thyroid cancer, this lump in the neck may be the only symptom.
The nodule may be tender if it is palpated.
Surroundinglymph nodesmay become tender to the touch if cancer has spread.
Parafollicular C cells are responsible for the production of a hormone called calcitonin.
As the disease progresses, alterations in the production of calcitonin may result in other symptoms, including diarrhea.
During the physical examination, your healthcare provider may find a lump in your neck.
Calcitonin levels are usually very high in individuals with MTC.
The more advanced the stage of cancer, the higher the calcitonin levels tend to be.
In the case of inherited forms of MTC DNA testing for theRETgene may be a beneficial diagnostic tool.
Treatment of MTC differs significantly from other types of thyroid cancer including papillary thyroid carcinoma or follicular thyroid carcinoma.
Surgical Removal of the Thyroid
Totalthyroidectomyis a first-line treatment for medullary thyroid cancer.
This may depend on the size of the tumor and other individual circumstance.
Immediately after total thyroidectomy, you’re free to expect to have some throat pain and hoarseness.
Most people stay overnight in the hospital.
These glands may have to be removed or may go into shock following thyroidectomy.
For this reason, your calcium levels are closely monitored following surgery.
The treatment only lasts a few minutes and is not painful.
However, side effects may occur since radiation not only kills cancerous cells but healthy cells as well.
Fatigue is another common side effect.
Heart problems have been reported.
You must work closely with a knowledgeable physician to perform necessary follow-up care.
In the case of any recurrence of MTC, early detection will provide the best possible outcomes.
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