Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Thyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma)Definition Return to top
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 Return to top
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 Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
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 Return to top
For additional resources, see cancer support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
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 Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.Prevention Return to top
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.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |