Medical Encyclopedia: Medullary carcinoma of thyroid (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000374.htm

Alternative names

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

Definition

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is a malignancy of the thyroid gland arising from the C cell, which secretes the hormone calcitonin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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. Approximately 700 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. The condition runs in the family about 20% of the time.

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.

Symptoms

Firm thyroid mass
Goiter
Diarrhea
Cough
Cough with blood

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.

The risks of surgery include accidental removal of parathyroid glands or nerve tissue of the larynx, which leads to serious complications.

Support Groups

For additional resources, 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

Medullary carcinoma invading nearby lymph nodes
Inadvertent removal of parathyroid glands during surgery
Metastasis of cancer to blood vessels or other sites

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

Prevention

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

Update Date: 5/2/2003

Updated by: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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