Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

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Thyroid cancer - CT scan

Thyroid gland

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.

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

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. The majority of 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:

• Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
• Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
• Follicular tumor of the thyroid
• Thyroid lymphoma

Review Date: 10/31/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.