Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the C cells of the thyroid gland, which produce a hormone called calcitonin. It accounts for about 3-4% of thyroid cancers. This cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. It may be inherited or occur sporadically. Symptoms often include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or changes in the voice. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the thyroid gland and associated tissues, possibly followed by targeted therapies if the cancer has spread. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, so any abnormal neck swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.