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An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Spuriously elevated plasma calcitonin in a patient with a thyroid nodule not associated with medullary thyroid
E J Lamb1, R M Heddle, A Ellis
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Kent Hospital NHS Trust, UK.
Abstract:
An increase in plasma calcitonin concentration is widely regarded as a specific and sensitive indication of underlying medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We present a case in which the association of increased plasma calcitonin concentration and a thyroid nodule was not due to MTC. Subsequent measurement of plasma calcitonin by a variety of methods highlighted the variability that exists in calcitonin measurement and the potential for clinically misleading results. The rationale for investigation and treatment of MTC, including a recommendation to screen all patients with thyroid nodules using plasma calcitonin measurement, is based on the use of specific two-site calcitonin assays which are not universally used in the UK or USA.
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