[Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Report of a case]

The case of a twelve years old boy with unilateral medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, whose main symptoms were cough, hemoptisis, fever and weight loss is reported. The diagnosis was made by lymph node biopsy, high levels of serum calcitonin and a positive skin test for histaminase. The main clinical, anatomical and genetic features of this tumor are discussed. The familial study did not show any other affected member. Therefore, it was considered as a sporadic case. Emphasis is made on the diagnostic methodolgy.