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==Overview==
==Overview==
Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American pathologist, in 1959.<ref name="pmid13620740">{{cite journal |vauthors=HAZARD JB, HAWK WA, CRILE G |title=Medullary (solid) carcinoma of the thyroid; a clinicopathologic entity |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=152–61 |year=1959 |pmid=13620740 |doi=10.1210/jcem-19-1-152 |url=}}</ref> Medullary thyroid cancer may be classified according to mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer. The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of genetic mutation of [[RET proto-oncogene]]. On gross pathology, well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow in color mass is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, polygonal to the spindle to small cells, [[interstitial edema]], and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the [[RET proto-oncogene]]. If left untreated, patients with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common complications of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event free survival rate is 80%. The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is [[lump]] in the neck. A positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer include [[diarrhea]], [[flushing]], and [[dysphagia]]. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased [[thyroid stimulating hormone]], elevated [[calcitonin]], and [[hypocalcemia|decreased calcium]]. On biopsy, medullary thyroid cancer is characterized by trabecula, [[interstitial edema]], and coarse calcifications. [[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American [[pathologist]], in 1959.<ref name="pmid13620740">{{cite journal |vauthors=HAZARD JB, HAWK WA, CRILE G |title=Medullary (solid) carcinoma of the thyroid; a clinicopathologic entity |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=152–61 |year=1959 |pmid=13620740 |doi=10.1210/jcem-19-1-152 |url=}}</ref> Medullary thyroid cancer may be [[Classification|classified]] according to mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer. The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of [[genetic mutation]] of [[RET proto-oncogene]]. On [[gross pathology]], well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow in color [[mass]] is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic [[histopathological]] analysis, polygonal to the spindle to small cells, [[interstitial edema]], and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is [[Causes|caused]] by a mutation in the [[RET proto-oncogene]]. If left untreated, [[patients]] with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common [[complications]] of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is [[Association (statistics)|associated]] with a particularly poor [[prognosis]] among [[patients]] with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event free [[survival rate]] is 80%. The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is [[lump]] in the [[neck]]. A positive [[family history]] of medullary thyroid cancer or [[multiple endocrine neoplasia]] is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common [[symptoms]] of medullary thyroid cancer include [[diarrhea]], [[flushing]], and [[dysphagia]]. Laboratory findings consistent with the [[diagnosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased [[thyroid stimulating hormone]], elevated [[calcitonin]], and [[hypocalcemia|decreased calcium]]. [[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.
==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American pathologist, in 1959.<ref name="pmid13620740">{{cite journal |vauthors=HAZARD JB, HAWK WA, CRILE G |title=Medullary (solid) carcinoma of the thyroid; a clinicopathologic entity |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=152–61 |year=1959 |pmid=13620740 |doi=10.1210/jcem-19-1-152 |url=}}</ref>  
Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American [[pathologist]], in 1959.<ref name="pmid13620740">{{cite journal |vauthors=HAZARD JB, HAWK WA, CRILE G |title=Medullary (solid) carcinoma of the thyroid; a clinicopathologic entity |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=152–61 |year=1959 |pmid=13620740 |doi=10.1210/jcem-19-1-152 |url=}}</ref>  
==Classification==
==Classification==
Medullary thyroid cancer may be classified according to the mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer.
Medullary thyroid cancer may be [[Classification|classified]] according to the mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of genetic mutation of [[RET proto-oncogene]]. On gross pathology, well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow color mass is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, polygonal to the spindle to small cells, [[interstitial edema]], and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer.
The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of [[genetic mutation]] of [[RET proto-oncogene]]. On [[gross pathology]], well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow color [[mass]] is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic [[histopathological]] [[analysis]], polygonal to the spindle to small cells, [[interstitial edema]], and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer.
==Causes==
==Causes==
Medullary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the [[RET proto-oncogene]].
Medullary thyroid cancer is caused by a [[mutation]] in the [[RET proto-oncogene]].
==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
Medullary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from [[anaplastic thyroid carcinoma]], [[papillary thyroid carcinoma]], and [[Hurthle cell carcinoma]].
Medullary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from [[anaplastic thyroid carcinoma]], [[papillary thyroid carcinoma]], and [[Hurthle cell carcinoma]].
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
The incidence of medullary thyroid cancer is approximately 1000 per 100,000 individuals in the United States per year. The incidence of medullary thyroid cancer increases with age; the median age at diagnosis peaks in the 3rd to 4th decades.
The [[incidence]] of medullary thyroid cancer is approximately 1000 per 100,000 individuals in the United States per year. The [[incidence]] of medullary thyroid cancer increases with age; the median age at [[diagnosis]] peaks in the 3rd to 4th decades.
==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
Common risk factors in the development of medullary thyroid cancer are a family history of medullary thyroid cancer and a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Common [[risk factors]] in the development of medullary thyroid cancer are a [[family history]] of medullary thyroid cancer and a [[family history]] of [[multiple endocrine neoplasia]].
==Screening==
==Screening==
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, screening for medullary thyroid cancer by ''RET'' gene testing is recommended for children with an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, [[screening]] for medullary thyroid cancer by [[RET gene|''RET'' gene]] testing is recommended for children with an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer.
==Natural history, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural history, Complications and Prognosis==
If left untreated, patients with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop metastasis. Common complications of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event-free survival rate is 80%.
If left untreated, patients with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop [[metastasis]]. Common [[complications]] of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, [[dysphagia]], and [[dyspnea]]. The presence of [[metastasis]] is associated with a particularly poor [[prognosis]] among patients with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event-free survival rate is 80%.
==Staging==
==Staging==
According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)<ref> Stage Information for Thyroid Cancer  Cancer.gov
According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)<ref> Stage Information for Thyroid Cancer  Cancer.gov
(2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq#link/stoc_h2_2- Accessed on October, 29 2015</ref> there are 4 stages of medullary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designates the tumor size, number of involved [[lymph node]] regions, and [[metastasis]].
(2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq#link/stoc_h2_2- Accessed on October, 29 2015</ref> there are 4 stages of medullary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designates the tumor size, number of involved [[lymph node]] regions, and [[metastasis]].
==History and Symptoms==
==History and Symptoms==
The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is [[lump]] in the neck. A positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer include [[diarrhea]], [[flushing]], and [[dysphagia]].
The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is [[lump]] in the neck. A positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer or [[multiple endocrine neoplasia]] is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common [[symptoms]] of medullary thyroid cancer include [[diarrhea]], [[flushing]], and [[dysphagia]].
==Physical Examination==
==Physical Examination==
Patients with medullary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachectic. Physical examination of patients with medullary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for [[thyromegaly]], [[lymphadenopathy]] and [[anxiety]].
Patients with medullary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and [[cachexic]]. Physical examination of patients with medullary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for [[thyromegaly]], [[lymphadenopathy]] and [[anxiety]].
==Laboratory Findings==
==Laboratory Findings==
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased [[thyroid stimulating hormone]], elevated [[calcitonin]], and [[hypocalcemia|decreased calcium]].
Laboratory findings consistent with the [[diagnosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased [[thyroid stimulating hormone]], elevated [[calcitonin]], and [[hypocalcemia|decreased calcium]].
==CT==
==CT==
[[CT|CT scan]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer.
[[CT|CT scan]] may be helpful in the [[diagnosis]] of medullary thyroid cancer.
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Neck [[ultrasound]] may be performed to detect medullary thyroid cancer.
Neck [[ultrasound]] may be performed to detect medullary thyroid cancer.
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
Other diagnostic studies for medullary thyroid cancer include nuclear imaging, which demonstrates increased uptake of radioactive iodine in the areas of metastases.
Other [[diagnostic]] studies for medullary thyroid cancer include nuclear imaging, which demonstrates increased uptake of [[radioactive]] [[iodine]] in the areas of [[metastases]].
==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
The predominant therapy for medullary thyroid cancer is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemoradiation may be required. The optimal therapy for medullary thyroid cancer depends on the stage at [[diagnosis]].
The predominant therapy for medullary thyroid cancer is [[surgical]] resection. Adjunctive chemoradiation may be required. The optimal therapy for medullary thyroid cancer depends on the stage at [[diagnosis]].
==Surgery==
==Surgery==
[[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.
[[Surgery]] is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.
==Primary Prevention==
==Primary Prevention==
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of medullary thyroid cancer.
There are no established measures for the [[primary prevention]] of medullary thyroid cancer.
==Secondary Prevention==
==Secondary Prevention==
There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of medullary thyroid cancer.
There are no established measures for the [[secondary prevention]] of medullary thyroid cancer.
==Reference==
==Reference==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Latest revision as of 15:11, 14 October 2019

Medullary thyroid cancer Microchapters

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Laboratory Findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]

Overview

Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American pathologist, in 1959.[1] Medullary thyroid cancer may be classified according to mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer. The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of genetic mutation of RET proto-oncogene. On gross pathology, well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow in color mass is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, polygonal to the spindle to small cells, interstitial edema, and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. If left untreated, patients with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop metastasis. Common complications of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, dysphagia, and dyspnea. The presence of metastasis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event free survival rate is 80%. The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is lump in the neck. A positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer include diarrhea, flushing, and dysphagia. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased thyroid stimulating hormone, elevated calcitonin, and decreased calcium. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Historical Perspective

Medullary thyroid cancer was first discovered by John Beach Hazard, an American pathologist, in 1959.[1]

Classification

Medullary thyroid cancer may be classified according to the mode of occurrence into 2 groups: sporadic medullary thyroid cancer and inherited medullary thyroid cancer.

Pathophysiology

The development of medullary thyroid cancer is the result of genetic mutation of RET proto-oncogene. On gross pathology, well circumscribed, gray, white, or yellow color mass is a characteristic finding of medullary thyroid cancer. On microscopic histopathological analysis, polygonal to the spindle to small cells, interstitial edema, and vascular hyalinized stroma are characteristic findings of medullary thyroid cancer.

Causes

Medullary thyroid cancer is caused by a mutation in the RET proto-oncogene.

Differential Diagnosis

Medullary thyroid cancer must be differentiated from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and Hurthle cell carcinoma.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence of medullary thyroid cancer is approximately 1000 per 100,000 individuals in the United States per year. The incidence of medullary thyroid cancer increases with age; the median age at diagnosis peaks in the 3rd to 4th decades.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of medullary thyroid cancer are a family history of medullary thyroid cancer and a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Screening

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, screening for medullary thyroid cancer by RET gene testing is recommended for children with an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer.

Natural history, Complications and Prognosis

If left untreated, patients with medullary thyroid cancer may progress to develop metastasis. Common complications of medullary thyroid cancer include vocal cord compression, dysphagia, and dyspnea. The presence of metastasis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis among patients with medullary thyroid cancer. The 5-year event-free survival rate is 80%.

Staging

According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)[2] there are 4 stages of medullary thyroid cancer based on the clinical features and findings on imaging. Each stage is assigned a letter and a number that designates the tumor size, number of involved lymph node regions, and metastasis.

History and Symptoms

The hallmark of medullary thyroid cancer is lump in the neck. A positive family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia is suggestive of medullary thyroid cancer. The most common symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer include diarrhea, flushing, and dysphagia.

Physical Examination

Patients with medullary thyroid cancer usually appear thin and cachexic. Physical examination of patients with medullary thyroid cancer is usually remarkable for thyromegaly, lymphadenopathy and anxiety.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer include decreased thyroid stimulating hormone, elevated calcitonin, and decreased calcium.

CT

CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Neck ultrasound may be performed to detect medullary thyroid cancer.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Other diagnostic studies for medullary thyroid cancer include nuclear imaging, which demonstrates increased uptake of radioactive iodine in the areas of metastases.

Medical Therapy

The predominant therapy for medullary thyroid cancer is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemoradiation may be required. The optimal therapy for medullary thyroid cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis.

Surgery

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Primary Prevention

There are no established measures for the primary prevention of medullary thyroid cancer.

Secondary Prevention

There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of medullary thyroid cancer.

Reference

  1. 1.0 1.1 HAZARD JB, HAWK WA, CRILE G (1959). "Medullary (solid) carcinoma of the thyroid; a clinicopathologic entity". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 19 (1): 152–61. doi:10.1210/jcem-19-1-152. PMID 13620740.
  2. Stage Information for Thyroid Cancer Cancer.gov (2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/thyroid-treatment-pdq#link/stoc_h2_2- Accessed on October, 29 2015