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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Risk factors for sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Nevena K Kalezic1, Vladan R Zivaljevic, Nikola A Slijepcevic
1Centre for Endocrine Surgery, Clinic for Endocrinology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, School of Medicine, Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia.
Summary
Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC) risk factors include goiter, thyroid nodules, and late menarche. Interestingly, cigarette smoking may offer a protective effect against sMTC development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) presents as familial or sporadic forms.
- The etiology of sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC) remains unclear.
- Understanding sMTC risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with the development of sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted between 2000 and 2009.
- Included 98 sMTC patients (cases) and 196 matched controls.
- Analyzed data using conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis identified goiter/thyroid nodules (OR=11.29) and late menarche (OR=2.77) as independent risk factors for sMTC.
- Smoking status was independently associated with sMTC (OR=0.46), suggesting a protective effect.
- Univariate analysis also linked sMTC to smoking duration, cigarette consumption, non-thyroid cancer history, early pregnancy, and oral contraceptive use.
Conclusions:
- Goiter/thyroid nodules and late menarche are significant risk factors for sporadic medullary thyroid cancer.
- Cigarette smoking may act as a protective factor against sMTC.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of these factors in sMTC etiology.
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