Medullary thyroid carcinoma
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (pronunciation: meh-duh-lair-ee thy-roid kar-si-no-ma) is a type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid gland.
Etymology
The term "medullary" is derived from the Latin word "medulla," which means "marrow," referring to the central part of a structure. The term "carcinoma" is derived from the Greek words "karkinos," meaning "crab," and "oma," meaning "tumor."
Description
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancer cases. Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma is often hereditary and can be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
Symptoms
Symptoms of medullary thyroid carcinoma can include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and neck pain. However, many people with this type of cancer do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy of the thyroid gland. Genetic testing may also be performed, particularly in individuals with a family history of the disease.
Treatment
Treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma usually involves surgery to remove the thyroid gland (a procedure known as a thyroidectomy). Additional treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.
Prognosis
The prognosis for medullary thyroid carcinoma varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.
Related Terms
- Thyroid gland
- Thyroid cancer
- Parafollicular cells
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Thyroidectomy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Wikipedia's article - Medullary thyroid carcinoma
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