Medullary thyroid cancer (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
Clinical data have suggested that the development of medullary thyroid cancer is related to several factors. | Clinical data have suggested that the development of medullary thyroid cancer is related to several factors. | ||
:*A diet low in [[iodine]]: Clinical survey show [[medullary thyroid cancer]] are more common in areas where people's diets are low in [[iodine]]. | :*A diet low in [[iodine]]: Clinical survey show [[medullary thyroid cancer]] are more common in areas where people's diets are low in [[iodine]]. | ||
:*[[Radiation]]: Scientists has proven that radiation exposure is a risk factor for follicular thyroid cancer. Such radiation includes medical treatments and radiation fallout from power plant accidents or nuclear weapons. | :*[[Radiation]]: Scientists has proven that [[radiation]] exposure is a [[risk factor]] for follicular thyroid cancer. Such [[radiation]] includes medical treatments and [[radiation]] fallout from power plant accidents or nuclear weapons. | ||
:*Hereditary conditions: Studies show people with certain inherited medical conditions such as [[Gardner syndrome]], [[Cowden disease]], and [[familial adenomatous polyposis]] (FAP) are at higher risk of developing [[medullary thyroid cancer]] | :*[[Hereditary]] [[conditions]]: Studies show people with certain [[inherited]] medical [[conditions]] such as [[Gardner syndrome]], [[Cowden disease]], and [[familial adenomatous polyposis]] ([[FAP]]) are at higher risk of developing [[medullary thyroid cancer]] | ||
:*Gender: Contrary to other cancers, follicular thyroid cancers occur more often in women than in men. | :*Gender: Contrary to other cancers, follicular thyroid cancers occur more often in women than in men. | ||
:*Age: Clinical data show that [[Papillary thyroid cancer|papillary]] and [[follicular thyroid cancer]] is usually found in people between the ages of 20 and 60 years. | :*Age: Clinical data show that [[Papillary thyroid cancer|papillary]] and [[follicular thyroid cancer]] is usually found in people between the ages of 20 and 60 years. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Your doctor will perform a [[physical exam]]. This may reveal a lump in the [[thyroid]], or swollen [[lymph node]]s in the [[neck]]. | Your doctor will perform a [[physical exam]]. This may reveal a lump in the [[thyroid]], or swollen [[lymph node]]s in the [[neck]]. | ||
The following tests may be done: | The following tests may be done: | ||
* [[Calcitonin]] blood test to check for medullary cancer | |||
* [[Thyroglobulin]] blood test to check for papillary or follicular cancer | *[[Calcitonin]] [[blood]] test to check for medullary cancer | ||
* [[Laryngoscopy]] | *[[Thyroglobulin]] [[blood]] test to check for [[Papillary thyroid cancer|papillary]] or [[Follicular cancer of the thyroid|follicular cancer]] | ||
* [[Biopsy|Thyroid biopsy]] | *[[Laryngoscopy]] | ||
*[[Biopsy|Thyroid biopsy]] | |||
* Thyroid scan | * Thyroid scan | ||
* [[Ultrasound|Ultrasound of the thyroid]] | *[[Ultrasound|Ultrasound of the thyroid]] | ||
* This [[disease]] may also affect the results of the following thyroid function tests: | * This [[disease]] may also affect the results of the following [[thyroid function tests]]: | ||
* [[T3]] | *[[T3]] | ||
* [[T4]] | *[[T4]] | ||
* [[TSH]] | *[[TSH]] | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
| Line 49: | Line 52: | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
In order to diagnose medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor may suggest the following tests: | In order to [[diagnose]] medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor may suggest the following tests: | ||
:*[[Thyroid hormones]] tests: [[Thyroid hormones]] including [[T3]], [[T4]], FT3, FT4 and [[TSH]] ([[thyroid-stimulating hormone]]) are needed to assess [[thyroid gland]] function. | :*[[Thyroid hormones]] tests: [[Thyroid hormones]] including [[T3]], [[T4]], FT3, FT4 and [[TSH]] ([[thyroid-stimulating hormone]]) are needed to assess [[thyroid gland]] function. | ||
:*[[Fine needle aspiration]] [[biopsy]]: The doctor places a thin, hollow needle directly into the [[nodule]] to take out [[cells]] and repeats twice or three times to receive samples from several areas of the [[nodule]]. Then these [[cells | :*[[Fine needle aspiration]] [[biopsy]]: The doctor places a thin, hollow needle directly into the [[nodule]] to take out [[cells]] and repeats twice or three times to receive samples from several areas of the [[nodule]]. Then these [[cells]] can be checked under a microscope to see whether [[cancerous]] or [[benign]]. | ||
:*Thyroid gland | :*Thyroid gland radio-iodine scan: During this test, the doctors put substances with small amounts of [[radiation]] into your body and detect the location of the substances. The test can help locate abnormal [[cells]] in the body. | ||
:*[[Computed tomography]] ([[CT scan]]) and [[biopsy]]: [[CT scans]] are often used to [[diagnose]] medullary thyroid cancer. It can help determine the location and size of medullary thyroid cancer and whether they have spread to nearby or distant areas. These are helpful for identifying the stage of [[cancer]] and in determining whether [[surgery]] is a good treatment option. [[CT scans]] can also be used to guide [[biopsy]] and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope. | :*[[Computed tomography]] ([[CT scan]]) and [[biopsy]]: [[CT scans]] are often used to [[diagnose]] medullary thyroid cancer. It can help determine the location and size of medullary thyroid cancer and whether they have spread to nearby or distant areas. These are helpful for identifying the stage of [[cancer]] and in determining whether [[surgery]] is a good treatment option. [[CT scans]] can also be used to guide [[biopsy]] and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope. | ||
:*[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by [[computed tomography]] ([[CT]]) and produces very detailed images of soft tissues such as the thyroid | :*[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] ([[MRI]]): An [[MRI]] uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by [[computed tomography]] ([[CT]]) and produces very detailed images of [[Soft tissue|soft tissues]] such as the [[thyroid gland]]. Like [[computed tomography]] ([[CT]]), a [[contrast]] agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. | ||
:*[[Positron emission tomography]] ([[PET]]) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a [[radioactive]] medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. [[PET]] can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if cancer has spread to the [[lymph nodes]] and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where [[cancer]] has spread. | :*[[Positron emission tomography]] ([[PET]]) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a [[radioactive]] medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or [[tissues]]. This [[radioactive]] substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. [[PET]] can provide more helpful information than either [[CT]] or [[MRI]] scans. It is useful to see if [[cancer]] has spread to the [[lymph nodes]] and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where [[cancer]] has spread. | ||
* [[Patients]] with medullary thyroid cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the [[tumor]]. The options are [[surgery]], [[radiation]] therapy, [[chemotherapy]], [[thyroid hormone]] treatment, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because [[cancer]] treatments often damage healthy [[cells]] and [[tissues]], [[side effects]] are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. | * [[Patients]] with medullary thyroid cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the [[tumor]]. The options are [[surgery]], [[radiation]] therapy, [[chemotherapy]], [[thyroid hormone]] treatment, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible [[side effects]] and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because [[cancer]] treatments often damage healthy [[cells]] and [[tissues]], [[side effects]] are common. [[Side effects]] may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. | ||
:*[[Surgery]]: Surgery is the main treatment for medullary thyroid cancer. Usually, surgery of removing the tumor and all or part of the remaining thyroid gland is recommended. | |||
:*[[Radiation therapy]]: It includes [[radioactive]] [[Iodine]] ([[Radioiodine]]) therapy and external beam radiation therapy. Radioactive iodine (RAI) known as I-131 can be taken into the body to destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells including cancer cells. During external beam radiation therapy, the doctors use high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or slow their rate of growth. | :*[[Surgery]]: [[Surgery]] is the main treatment for medullary thyroid cancer. Usually, [[Thyroidectomy|surgery of removing the tumor]] and all or part of the remaining [[thyroid gland]] is recommended. | ||
:*[[Radiation therapy]]: It includes [[radioactive]] [[Iodine]] ([[Radioiodine]]) therapy and [[external beam radiation therapy]]. [[Radioactive iodine]] (RAI) known as I-131 can be taken into the body to destroy the [[thyroid gland]] and any other thyroid cells including cancer cells. During [[external beam radiation therapy]], the doctors use high-energy rays to destroy [[cancer]] cells or slow their rate of growth. | |||
:*[[Chemotherapy]]: [[Chemotherapy]] is seldom helpful for most types of medullary thyroid cancer. | :*[[Chemotherapy]]: [[Chemotherapy]] is seldom helpful for most types of medullary thyroid cancer. | ||
:*[[Thyroid hormone]] therapy: This treatment is to take daily pills of [[thyroid hormone]]. The aim is to help maintain the body's normal [[metabolism]] (by replacing missing [[thyroid hormone]]) and prevent some [[thyroid cancers]] from returning. | :*[[Thyroid hormone]] therapy: This treatment is to take daily pills of [[thyroid hormone]]. The aim is to help maintain the body's normal [[metabolism]] (by replacing missing [[thyroid hormone]]) and prevent some [[thyroid cancers]] from returning. | ||
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==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
The [[prognosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer depends on the following: | The [[prognosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer depends on the following: | ||
:*The stage of cancer: the size of the [[tumor]], whether the [[cancer]] has spread outside the [[thyroid gland]] | |||
:*The stage of [[cancer]]: the size of the [[tumor]], whether the [[cancer]] has spread outside the [[thyroid gland]] | |||
:*Whether or not the [[tumor]] can be removed by [[surgery]] | :*Whether or not the [[tumor]] can be removed by [[surgery]] | ||
:*The [[patient]]’s general health | :*The [[patient]]’s general health | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
{{WH}} | |||
{{WS}} | |||
[[Category:Patient information]] | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
| Line 89: | Line 97: | ||
[[Category:Otolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otolaryngology]] | ||
[[Category:Types of cancer]] | [[Category:Types of cancer]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:40, 29 July 2020
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Medullary thyroid cancer |
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Follicular thyroid cancer On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Medullary thyroid cancer |
Template:WikiDoc Sources
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Overview
Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck which makes hormones to help the bodywork normally. Medullary thyroid cancer is cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. Medullary thyroid cancer doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the cancer, usual symptoms include a lump that can be felt through the skin on your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the neck and throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, thyroid hormone therapy or a combination of them.
What are the symptoms of Medullary thyroid cancer?
- Early medullary thyroid cancer does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- A nodule, lump, or swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck
- Hoarseness or other voice changes
- Trouble swallowing
- Breathing problems
- Continuous cough
- Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
What causes Medullary thyroid cancer?
- Medullary thyroid cancer can occur in older age groups.
- Other risk factors are a family history of medullary thyroid cancer and chronic goiter.
- There are several types of medullary thyroid cancer:
- Familial medullary thyroid cancer
- Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer
Who is at highest risk?
Clinical data have suggested that the development of medullary thyroid cancer is related to several factors.
- A diet low in iodine: Clinical survey show medullary thyroid cancer are more common in areas where people's diets are low in iodine.
- Radiation: Scientists has proven that radiation exposure is a risk factor for follicular thyroid cancer. Such radiation includes medical treatments and radiation fallout from power plant accidents or nuclear weapons.
- Hereditary conditions: Studies show people with certain inherited medical conditions such as Gardner syndrome, Cowden disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at higher risk of developing medullary thyroid cancer
- Gender: Contrary to other cancers, follicular thyroid cancers occur more often in women than in men.
- Age: Clinical data show that papillary and follicular thyroid cancer is usually found in people between the ages of 20 and 60 years.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam. This may reveal a lump in the thyroid, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
The following tests may be done:
- Calcitonin blood test to check for medullary cancer
- Thyroglobulin blood test to check for papillary or follicular cancer
- Laryngoscopy
- Thyroid biopsy
- Thyroid scan
- Ultrasound of the thyroid
- This disease may also affect the results of the following thyroid function tests:
- T3
- T4
- TSH
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if symptoms of thyroid cancer develop.
Treatment options
In order to diagnose medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor may suggest the following tests:
- Thyroid hormones tests: Thyroid hormones including T3, T4, FT3, FT4 and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) are needed to assess thyroid gland function.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy: The doctor places a thin, hollow needle directly into the nodule to take out cells and repeats twice or three times to receive samples from several areas of the nodule. Then these cells can be checked under a microscope to see whether cancerous or benign.
- Thyroid gland radio-iodine scan: During this test, the doctors put substances with small amounts of radiation into your body and detect the location of the substances. The test can help locate abnormal cells in the body.
- Computed tomography (CT scan) and biopsy: CT scans are often used to diagnose medullary thyroid cancer. It can help determine the location and size of medullary thyroid cancer and whether they have spread to nearby or distant areas. These are helpful for identifying the stage of cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces very detailed images of soft tissues such as the thyroid gland. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where cancer has spread.
- Patients with medullary thyroid cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, thyroid hormone treatment, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
- Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for medullary thyroid cancer. Usually, surgery of removing the tumor and all or part of the remaining thyroid gland is recommended.
- Radiation therapy: It includes radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) therapy and external beam radiation therapy. Radioactive iodine (RAI) known as I-131 can be taken into the body to destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells including cancer cells. During external beam radiation therapy, the doctors use high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or slow their rate of growth.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is seldom helpful for most types of medullary thyroid cancer.
- Thyroid hormone therapy: This treatment is to take daily pills of thyroid hormone. The aim is to help maintain the body's normal metabolism (by replacing missing thyroid hormone) and prevent some thyroid cancers from returning.
Where to find medical care for Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating thyroid cancer
Prevention of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
The reasons for the development of medullary thyroid cancer are not clear. Epidemiological data show the following may be helpful:
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of medullary thyroid cancer depends on the following:
Possible complications
- Injury to the voice box and hoarseness after thyroid surgery
- Low calcium levels from accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery
- Spread of the cancer to the lungs, bones, or other parts of the body
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001213.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroidcancer.html