What does MTC mean in SURGICAL

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare form of cancer that begins in the cells of the thyroid gland called C-cells. C-cells secrete a hormone called calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in the body. MTC is usually more aggressive than other types of thyroid cancer and can spread to other parts of the body over time.

Symptoms of MTC may include neck pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or changes in your voice, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and a lump in the neck. These symptoms may be due to other conditions unrelated to MTC so it's best to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms so they can conduct tests and provide treatment if needed.

Yes, some people have an increased risk for developing MTC due to genetic factors such as a family history of MCT or certain inherited syndromes like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Other risk factors may include age and gender with greater risk being seen among older adults and women.

To diagnose medullary thyroid cancer (MCT), a doctor will typically perform a physical exam and review medical history as part of an overall evaluation including blood tests to measure levels of hormones produced by the C-cells in order most likely obtain images such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans for further evaluation. A biopsy may also be done to confirm diagnosis.

Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for general health but there is no specific diet that has been shown to treat or prevent MCT specifically. It’s important that people who have been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer talk with their doctor about dietary advice as this will depend on their individual situation.

Treatments vary based on stage at diagnosis but may include surgical procedures such as removal of all or part of the affected gland(s) followed by radioiodine ablation therapy followed by external beam radiation therapy depending on circumstances. Drug therapies such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy may also be used alone or in combination with other therapies depending on stage at diagnosis.

It depends upon various factors like size and stage at diagnosis and results from imaging studies along with doctors’ recommendations which should be discussed with your physician who will determine whether surgery is necessary given your specific case. Success rates for treatment tend to be higher when surgery is performed earlier rather than later when the tumor has had more time to spread throughout the body.

While there is currently no cure for medullary thyroid cancer, many people who are diagnosed early go into remission after successful treatment! Early detection through routine screenings increases chances for long-term survival significantly so it’s very important not be ignore symptoms related to this condition!