[Clinico-genetic aspects of medullary thyroid cancer]

A complex (population, clinico-familial, cytogenetic and biochemical) investigation was performed in 50 cases of thyroid medullary cancer and their relatives. The study evaluated the diagnostic value of tests used to identify hereditary forms of the disease which accounted for one-third of the cases. Guidelines for identification of groups at high risk for thyroid medullary carcinoma are discussed.