What does MTC mean in PHYSIOLOGY
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that originates in the C cells of the thyroid. It is often referred to as a neuroendocrine malignancy, since it shares characteristics with both nervous system tumors and endocrine hormone-producing tumors. Because it can secrete hormones, MTC can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, sweating and diarrhea. Treatment for MTC usually requires surgery to remove the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy if necessary. With early detection and treatment, many people with MTC are cured.
MTC meaning in Physiology in Medical
MTC mostly used in an acronym Physiology in Category Medical that means Medullary thyroid cancer
Shorthand: MTC,
Full Form: Medullary thyroid cancer
For more information of "Medullary thyroid cancer", see the section below.
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Symptoms
The most common symptom of MTC is a lump in the neck area caused by an enlarged thyroid gland due to tumor growth. Other symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or collarbone, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, pain or pressure in the throat area, and problems breathing. In some cases, MTC may also cause other issues such as increased thirst and urination due to an overproduction of hormones from the tumor.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing MTC typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound scans, blood tests to measure calcium levels, and biopsies to determine if cells are cancerous. If cancer is present in the biopsy sample, further testing may be needed to determine whether it is indeed MTC based on its genetic profile. A full-body scan might also be performed depending on individual circumstances.
Treatment
Treatment for MTC typically begins with surgical removal of the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells have been eliminated. Following surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended if there is an increased risk for recurrence or spread of disease outside of the thyroid region. In addition to these treatments, medications known as somatostatin analogs can help control growth hormone secretion from tumors that still remain active after treatment has been completed.
Essential Questions and Answers on Medullary thyroid cancer in "MEDICAL»PHYSIOLOGY"
What is Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a type of cancer that starts in the medullary cells of your thyroid gland. It's a rare form of thyroid cancer, accounting for only three to 10 percent of all cases. MTC usually begins between ages 30 and 50, but can develop at any age.
Are there different types of Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Yes, there are three main types of MTC — sporadic, hereditary, and MEN2b-associated. Sporadic MTC develops without any cause or family history. Hereditary MTC occurs due to an inherited genetic mutation passed down through a family's genetic code and is associated with an increased risk for multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN2A and MEN2B). Lastly, MEN2b-associated MTC is found in people with the MEN2B syndrome.
What causes Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
The exact cause of medullary thyroid cancer is not known, but certain factors have been linked to its development including exposure to radiation as well as having certain inherited genetic mutations.
What are the symptoms of Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include hoarseness or changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, neck lump or pain in the throat area, swollen lymph nodes in the neck area, weight loss that cannot be explained by diet or exercise change.
How is Medullary Thyroid Cancer diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely do an examination as well as order blood tests such as calcium level tests, calcitonin tests, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, thyroglobulin levels and ultrasound scans. They may also use imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI scans to get more detailed images inside your body.
Who is at risk for developing Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Those at highest risk are individuals with a family history or genetic predisposition towards this type of cancer. Additionally those exposed to radiation during childhood could be at higher risk than others.
How can I reduce my risk for developing Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
There are no known surefire ways to prevent medullary thyroid cancer from developing; however maintaining good overall health such as eating healthy foods full of antioxidants and exercising regularly may lower your risks somewhat.
Can I detect symptoms early on if I have Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Often times it can be difficult to detect any signs or symptoms early on as most people don't typically notice any changes until their condition has progressed significantly. However if you happen to experience anything out of the ordinary regarding your weight gain/loss or voice hoarseness etc., then it's important that you seek medical attention right away so they can pinpoint what may be going on inside your body.
Is there a cure for Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
If detected early enough then often time doctors will perform surgery to remove affected parts of the thyroid along with nearby lymph nodes or other tissues involved from around that area so yes it can be cured successfully!
Final Words:
MTC is a rare but serious form of thyroid cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment for successful management and cure. While surgical resection remains the primary course for treatment most patients will require additional care in order to maximize their chances for recovery which could include therapies like radiation therapy or chemotherapy as well as medicines like somatostatin analogs.
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