MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

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Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests Treatment	Support Groups Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention References

Illustrations

Thyroid cancer - CT scan

Thyroid gland

Alternative Names Return to top

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

Definition Return to top

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.

Causes Return to top

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:

Symptoms Return to top

Breathing problems due to narrowing of airways
Cough
Cough with blood
Diarrhea
Goiter
Lump on thyroid gland

Exams and Tests Return to top

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 medullary carcinoma of the thyroid include:

Calcitonin blood test
CEA blood test
Thyroid biopsy
Thyroid scan
Ultrasound of the thyroid

Treatment Return to top

Treatment 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 Groups Return to top

For additional information, see cancer support groups.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Approximately 86% of those with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The 10-year survival rate is 65%.

Possible Complications Return to top

Complications may include:

Cancer spreads to other areas of the body
Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

Prevention Return to top

Prevention may not be possible. However, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment.

References Return to top

Ball DW. Medullary thyroid cancer: monitoring and therapy. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36(3):823-837.

Update Date: 3/21/2008

Updated 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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