Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:39
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Serum calcitonin negative medullary thyroid carcinoma
Michael Sand1, Marcos Gelos, Daniel Sand
1Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Augusta Krankenanstalt, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. michael.sand@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
World Journal of Surgical Oncology
|December 23, 2006
Summary
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is rare, and in extremely rare cases, it may not secrete calcitonin. This diagnostic challenge can complicate patient follow-up and treatment, as seen in a fatal case report.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) represent 5-7% of thyroid neoplasms.
- MTC originates from parafollicular C cells, typically producing calcitonin, a marker of biochemical activity.
- Serum calcitonin can be negative in rare MTC cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of serum calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- To highlight diagnostic and follow-up challenges associated with MTC lacking calcitonin secretion.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 73-year-old female patient.
- Analysis of clinical presentation and post-operative course.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a serum calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- The patient experienced a fulminant post-operative course.
- The patient died due to multiple metastases.
Conclusions:
- Medullary thyroid carcinomas can, in very rare instances, lack calcitonin secretion.
- This absence complicates diagnosis and tumor monitoring.
- Few similar cases are documented in English literature.
Related Concept Videos
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...