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Medullary thyroid cancer is one of the types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Medullary thyroid cancer usually originates in the upper central lobe of the thyroid. During the early stage of medullary thyroid cancer, the cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes. If left untreated, it may develop and spread to other distant organs in the body such as the brain, bone and liver. Medullary thyroid cancer also occurs in four clinical settings that are associated to other endocrine tumors. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Symptoms Symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer vary. It depends on the stage or how far the cancer cells have already spread in the body. Just like any type of thyroid cancer, it does not often show any symptoms. However as the cancer cells spread and grow, an individual may feel pain in the throat or neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking in a normal voice and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. An individual may also notice that there is a lump or a nodule on the front of the neck. On the other hand, these symptoms may not be caused by medullary thyroid cancer at all. These symptoms may also be caused by other infections or goiter. If and when an individual feels any of these symptoms, it is best to go and see a doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of these symptoms and provide proper treatment. Order your At-Home Thyroid Test NOW! Results in 3 days! Collect your sample, mail it back in the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or phone. Calcitonin and Medullary Thyroid Cancer Calcitonin is a hormone known to participate specifically in the calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. Individuals, who are treated from medullary thyroid cancer, undergo calcitonin test to assess the effectiveness of the medullary thyroid cancer treatment and to gauge recurrence, if any. Stimulation tests are also done since this is more sensitive than calcitonin tests. Stimulation test are performed to stimulate calcitonin production. After this test is performed, blood samples are collected to check the effect of the stimulation. Medullary thyroid cancer patients normally have high levels of calcitonin during this test. Interesting Questions about Thyroid: Have more questions? Need more answers? Check our Full Thyroid FAQ Medullary Thyroid Cancer Treatment People diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer want to be involved in the entire decision-making with regard to treating their disease. They want to know more information about their disease and their treatment options. Being diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer makes it hard for an individual to come up with a decision regarding getting disease information and treatment options especially that it may cause shock and stress. After a doctor provides diagnosis, patients are then referred to oncologists. Oncologists are doctors specializing in treating cancer. Treatment normally starts a few weeks later after the diagnosis. A patient may also seek a second opinion regarding treatment options. As for treating medullary thyroid cancer, the first treatment option is to remove the thyroid. Thyroidectomy is performed to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the thyroid gland. A thyroidectomy is a surgical operation that removes a part or all of the thyroid gland. A central neck dissection is also done as part of the process in removing the thyroid. In this operation, the surgeon will remove some of the lymph nodes in the neck since whenever the medullary thyroid cancer spreads; it normally attacks the lymph nodes first. The central neck dissection basically has two main goals, first is to prevent the medullary thyroid cancer from spreading to the lymph nodes and second, is to remove the cancer that has already spread to the lymph nodes and stops it from spreading even more. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Prognosis Most thyroid cancers are curable especially if it is detected and diagnosed in an early stage. Thyroid cancers, if treated accordingly have an extremely high cure rate. Medullary thyroid cancer is a lot less common compared to the other types of thyroid cancer. However, medullary thyroid cancer prognosis or chance of recovery is poor. With medullary thyroid cancer, it tends to spread out to the lymph nodes in the body. It therefore requires a more aggressive approach in terms of treatment than other types of thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer requires the removal of the thyroid gland as well as the lymph nodes on the front and sides of the neck. . The chance of recovery may even get worse when the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the thyroid. Thyroid FAQ & Links to Related Articles Parathyroid There are four parathyroid glands that are normally having the size of a single rice grain. In some normal cases, they can be as big as the size of a pea. Hypothyroid Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a disorder that is characterized by abnormal level of thyroid hormones in the body, which is too low. Thyroid Glands The thyroid is a butterfly (pear)-shaped gland, it consists of 2 symmetrical lobes joined by a central isthmus that normally covers the 2nd & 3rd tracheal rings. Congenital Hypothyroidism Congenital hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder that may lead to deafness or mental retardation if left undetected. Thyroid Depression Hypothyroidism can cause depression. Most people don?t realize that this feeling is depression caused by the thyroid gland not functioning as it should. Papillary Thyroid Cancer Papillary thyroid cancer is one of the thyroid cancer types. This type of thyroid cancer arises from the follicles in the thyroid gland. Thyroid Gland Function The thyroid gland is located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea. It is one of the largest of the endocrine glands Thyroid Hormone These thyroid hormones are responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism, which is how much food will be broken down into useful energy for consumption. Thyroid Levels When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, one may suffer from hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone The thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The thyroid stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the thyroid gland. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid hormones are chemical substances produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. Supplements for the Thyroid Natural thyroid supplements are helpful as a remedy to thyroid disorders. Its natural ingredients assure one of its safeties in taking it. Thyroid Symptoms in Women The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is the primary responsible in regulating the body?s metabolism. Thyroid Surgery Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Test Thyroid tests or thyroid function tests are done to check the thyroid function in one?s body. A doctor will be able to determine and diagnose the thyroid disorder. Thyroid Treatment Treatment for thyroid disorders should be done to prevent unwanted results caused by the severity of the condition. Consult a physician for more of these treatments. Thyroidectomy Thyroidectomy is a surgical process wherein the whole or a part of the thyroid gland is removed. This surgical process is used to treat thyroid disorders. Underactive Thyroid Having an underactive thyroid is a minor problem but it seeks proper attention to avoid further health problems. Consult a physician about any thyroid problem. Low Thyroid Low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland is under active. Underactive Thyroid Diet Following a healthy meal plan, exercise and proper medication goes hand in hand to treat hypothyroidism. Consult a physician for a more individualized plan. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Each thyroid cancer treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer and the extent or stage of the thyroid cancer one is suffering from. Parathyroid Hormone Levels Parathyroid hormones are considered to be the most important endocrine regulator. It basically regulates the calcium and phosphorus concentration in the body. Parathyroid Disease Studies show that since 1925, the standard treatment for parathyroid disease is to surgically remove the parathyroid gland(s) which are overproducing parathyroid hormones. Parathyroid Adenoma Parathyroid adenoma is a small tumor of the parathyroid gland and is known to be the most common disorder of the gland. Medullary Thyroid Cancer Medullary thyroid cancer is one of the types of thyroid cancer. This type of thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Overactive Thyroid Most people don?t feel any symptoms. Others can just lose weight and just feel depressed for no reason at all. Hypothyroidism Suppose you go in for a routine checkup and your doctor decides to test your thyroid function. You?ve experienced no thyroid disease symptoms Hypothyroidism Symptoms Hypothyroidism develops for over a long period of time. It?s normally from several months to even several years. Hypothyroidism Natural Treatment People who are suffering from hypothyroidism are advised to get plenty of exercise and have a balanced and healthy diet. The diet must be rich in protein and iodine. Hypothyroidism Diet Self medicating one?s thyroid disorder with hypothyroidism diet pills without proper information of the diet pill does not address the problem. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms & Treatment Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormones more than the body needs. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is one of the chronic diseases in the world. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid; hypo means under or below normal. Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a type of thyroid cancer that is rare and aggressive. It affects the thyroid gland and most especially its function. Thyroid Disorders Problems arise if the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. There are three common thyroid disorders. These are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and the thyroid nodules. Thyroid Hair Loss Hair loss may happen for so many reasons but it is commonly associated to thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid Function Test Thyroid Function Tests are the different tests conducted to assess and determine the cause of an individual?s thyroid problems.