Medullary carcinoma
Medullary Carcinoma
Medullary Carcinoma (pronunciation: meh-duh-lair-ee kahr-si-noh-muh) is a type of cancer that originates from specific cells known as parafollicular cells or C cells in the thyroid gland. The term "medullary" is derived from the Latin word "medulla," which means "marrow," indicating the part of the gland where the cancer begins.
Definition
Medullary Carcinoma is a rare and distinct form of thyroid cancer that is often aggressive and difficult to treat. It accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancer cases. Unlike other types of thyroid cancers, Medullary Carcinoma can spread to distant parts of the body at an early stage.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Medullary Carcinoma may include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and persistent cough. However, these symptoms can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions.
Causes
Medullary Carcinoma is caused by a mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. This mutation can be inherited, leading to the familial form of the disease known as Familial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (FMTC) or can occur spontaneously, leading to the sporadic form of the disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Medullary Carcinoma involves a physical examination, blood tests to measure levels of certain hormones produced by the thyroid gland, and imaging tests. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment options for Medullary Carcinoma include surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for Medullary Carcinoma varies depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's age, and overall health. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medullary carcinoma
- Wikipedia's article - Medullary carcinoma
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