[The medullary (C-cell) carcinoma of the thyroid. A therapeutic dilemma]

Medullary carcinoma originates from the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid. Significant for these cancers are early metastases in thyroid and in the regional lymph nodes. Total thyroidectomy combined with local excision of any palpable metastases is the procedure of choice. Radioiodine therapy of metastases as in papillary and follicular carcinoma is not possible because C-cells do not metabolise iodine. This tumor is also resistant on X-ray therapy. Follow-up and early diagnosis of medullary carcinoma is possible by determination of calcitonin in serum. The local recurrence or metastases in lymph nodes should be surgically removed.