Medullary thyroid cancer

Abstract

Medullary thyroid cancer is rare, in 25 % of cases genetically determined (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2), and should be treated by a specialized multidisciplinary team in the Cancer Center. In most cases, total thyroidectomy and at least central compartment lymph node dissection are required. Serum calcitonin levels prior to and after operation indicate the extent of disease and the prognosis. Targeted biological therapy with a multistep tyrosine kinase inhibitor is a new option for patients with advanced disease.