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Medullary carcinoma of thyroid - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Medullary carcinoma of thyroid:

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, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC) is unknown.

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.
Inherited MTC runs in families.

You have an increased risk of this type of cancer if you have:

A family history of MTC
A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
A prior history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism

Other types of thyroid cancer include:

Thyroid cancer - CT scan

Thyroid gland

Reviewed last on: 3/2/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 244.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines in Oncology 2010: Thyroid Cancer. Version 1.2010.

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