BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuThyroid cancer - medullary carcinomaThyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma); MTC; Thyroid nodule - medullaryMedullary carcinoma of the thyroid is cancer of the thyroid gland that starts in cells that release a hormone called calcitonin. These cells are called "C" cells. The thyroid gland is located inside the front of your lower neck. Causes The cause of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is unknown. MTC is very rare. It can occur in children and adults.Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, MTC is less likely to be caused by radiation therapy to the neck given to treat other cancers during childhood.There are two forms of MTC: Sporadic MTC, which does not run in families. Most MTCs are sporadic. This form mainly affects older adults. Hereditary MTC, which runs in families. You have an increased risk for this type of cancer if you have: A family history of MTC A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type II (MEN II) is a disorder passed down through families in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, hyperparathyroidism or pancreatic endocrine tumorsPheochromocytomaPheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that contro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HyperparathyroidismHyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which 1 or more of the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other types of thyroid cancer include:Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroidAnaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid Follicular carcinoma of the thyroidThyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid Papillary carcinoma of the thyroidPapillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the most common cancer of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of the lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid lymphomaLymphomaNon-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. W...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms MTC often begins as a small lump (nodule) in the thyroid gland. There also may be lymph node swelling in the neck. As a result, symptoms may include:Lymph node swellingLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the neck Hoarseness Breathing problems due to narrowing of airways Cough Cough with blood Cough with bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea due to high calcitonin level Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.Tests that may be used to diagnose MTC include:Calcitonin blood test CalcitoninThe calcitonin blood test measures the level of the hormone calcitonin in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article CEA blood test CEAThe carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing Genetic testingThe genes in our cells play important roles. They affect hair and eye color and other traits passed on from parent to child. Genes also tell cells ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid biopsy Thyroid biopsyFine needle aspiration of the thyroid gland is a procedure to remove thyroid cells for examination. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland lo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ultrasound of the thyroid and the lymph nodes of the neck Ultrasound of the thyroidA thyroid ultrasound is an imaging method to see the thyroid, a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism (the many processes that control the rate...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with MTC should be checked for certain other tumors, especially pheochromocytoma and parathyroid tumors and parathyroid tumors. Treatment 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 and experienced with the operation required.Further treatment will depend on your calcitonin levels. A rise in calcitonin levels again may indicate new growth of the cancer.Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well for this type of cancer. Radiation is used in some people after surgery. Newer targeted therapies may reduce tumor growth also. Your provider can tell you more about these, if needed.Targeted therapiesTargeted therapy uses medicines to stop cancer from growing and spreading. It does this with less harm to normal cells than other treatments. Stand...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Near relatives of persons diagnosed with hereditary forms of MTC are at increased risk of this cancer and should discuss with their providers. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most people with MTC live at least 5 years after diagnosis, depending upon the stage of the cancer. The 10-year survival rate is 65%. Possible Complications Complications may include: Cancer spreads to other areas of the body Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of MTC. Prevention Prevention may not be possible. But, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. For people who have a very strong family history of MTC, the option to remove the thyroid gland may be recommended. You should carefully discuss this option with a doctor who is very familiar with the disease.Open ReferencesReferencesKim M, Kim BH. Current guidelines for management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Endocrinol Metab. 2021;36(3):514-524. PMID: 34154310 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34154310/.National Cancer Institute website. Thyroid cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq. Updated April 11, 2024. Accessed May 3, 2024.Pearce EN, Hollenberg AN. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 207.Suh I, Sosa JA. Thyroid. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 37.AllVideoImagesTogThyroid cancer - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper chest (thorax) shows a malignant thyroid tumor (cancer). The dark area around the trachea (marked by the white U-shaped tip of the respiratory tube) is an area where normal tissue has been eroded and died (necrosis) as a result of tumor growth.Thyroid cancer - CT scanillustrationThyroid gland - illustration The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.Thyroid glandillustrationThyroid cancer - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper chest (thorax) shows a malignant thyroid tumor (cancer). The dark area around the trachea (marked by the white U-shaped tip of the respiratory tube) is an area where normal tissue has been eroded and died (necrosis) as a result of tumor growth.Thyroid cancer - CT scanillustrationThyroid gland - illustration The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.Thyroid glandillustrationRelated Information Malignancy(Special Topic)Thyroid function tests(Medical Test)Pheochromocytoma(Condition)Hyperparathyroidism(Condition)Thyroid cancer - papillary carcinoma(Condition)Anaplastic thyroid cancer(Condition)Thyroid cancer(Condition)Hodgkin lymphoma(Condition)Metastasis(Special Topic)Thyroid nodule(Condition)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Thyroid cancer - medullary carcinomaThyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma); MTC; Thyroid nodule - medullaryMedullary carcinoma of the thyroid is cancer of the thyroid gland that starts in cells that release a hormone called calcitonin. These cells are called "C" cells. The thyroid gland is located inside the front of your lower neck. Causes The cause of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is unknown. MTC is very rare. It can occur in children and adults.Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, MTC is less likely to be caused by radiation therapy to the neck given to treat other cancers during childhood.There are two forms of MTC: Sporadic MTC, which does not run in families. Most MTCs are sporadic. This form mainly affects older adults. Hereditary MTC, which runs in families. You have an increased risk for this type of cancer if you have: A family history of MTC A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type II (MEN II) is a disorder passed down through families in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, hyperparathyroidism or pancreatic endocrine tumorsPheochromocytomaPheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of adrenal gland tissue. It results in the release of too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that contro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HyperparathyroidismHyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which 1 or more of the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other types of thyroid cancer include:Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroidAnaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid Follicular carcinoma of the thyroidThyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid Papillary carcinoma of the thyroidPapillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the most common cancer of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of the lower neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid lymphomaLymphomaNon-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. W...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms MTC often begins as a small lump (nodule) in the thyroid gland. There also may be lymph node swelling in the neck. As a result, symptoms may include:Lymph node swellingLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling of the neck Hoarseness Breathing problems due to narrowing of airways Cough Cough with blood Cough with bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea due to high calcitonin level Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.Tests that may be used to diagnose MTC include:Calcitonin blood test CalcitoninThe calcitonin blood test measures the level of the hormone calcitonin in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article CEA blood test CEAThe carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic testing Genetic testingThe genes in our cells play important roles. They affect hair and eye color and other traits passed on from parent to child. Genes also tell cells ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid biopsy Thyroid biopsyFine needle aspiration of the thyroid gland is a procedure to remove thyroid cells for examination. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland lo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ultrasound of the thyroid and the lymph nodes of the neck Ultrasound of the thyroidA thyroid ultrasound is an imaging method to see the thyroid, a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism (the many processes that control the rate...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with MTC should be checked for certain other tumors, especially pheochromocytoma and parathyroid tumors and parathyroid tumors. Treatment 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 and experienced with the operation required.Further treatment will depend on your calcitonin levels. A rise in calcitonin levels again may indicate new growth of the cancer.Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well for this type of cancer. Radiation is used in some people after surgery. Newer targeted therapies may reduce tumor growth also. Your provider can tell you more about these, if needed.Targeted therapiesTargeted therapy uses medicines to stop cancer from growing and spreading. It does this with less harm to normal cells than other treatments. Stand...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Near relatives of persons diagnosed with hereditary forms of MTC are at increased risk of this cancer and should discuss with their providers. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most people with MTC live at least 5 years after diagnosis, depending upon the stage of the cancer. The 10-year survival rate is 65%. Possible Complications Complications may include: Cancer spreads to other areas of the body Parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of MTC. Prevention Prevention may not be possible. But, being aware of your risk factors, especially your family history, may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. For people who have a very strong family history of MTC, the option to remove the thyroid gland may be recommended. You should carefully discuss this option with a doctor who is very familiar with the disease.Open ReferencesReferencesKim M, Kim BH. Current guidelines for management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Endocrinol Metab. 2021;36(3):514-524. PMID: 34154310 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34154310/.National Cancer Institute website. Thyroid cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq. Updated April 11, 2024. Accessed May 3, 2024.Pearce EN, Hollenberg AN. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 207.Suh I, Sosa JA. Thyroid. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 37.