Locally advanced Medullary thyroid cancer
What is Locally Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Locally Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the thyroid cells, typically occurring in the middle layer of the thyroid gland. This type of cancer can spread quickly and is not considered curable. In order to determine the best course of treatment, health care providers must obtain a detailed history of the patient, do physical exams, perform a variety of imaging tests, and diagnose the cancer through biopsies.
Signs and Symptoms of Locally Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer
The most common signs and symptoms of Locally Advanced MTC is a lump, or swelling, in the neck that can cause discomfort or a sensation of pressure. Other signs and symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, coughing, or blood in the stool or vomit.
Diagnosis of Locally Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Locally Advanced MTC is typically diagnosed through a combination of taking a detailed patient history, doing a physical examination, and imaging tests. Ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans may additionally be used to diagnose MTC. In order to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant, a biopsy will likely be necessary as well.
Treatment of Locally Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Treatment of Locally Advanced MTC often includes the following measures:
- Surgery - Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is usually always the first step in treatment.
- Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy may also be recommended as an adjunct to surgery or following surgery if any cancerous cells remain.
- Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy may be recommended for Locally Advanced MTC that has spread beyond the thyroid, or if surgery did not fully remove the tumor.
- Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapies are also utilized for Locally Advanced MTC, and are designed to attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
If you have been diagnosed with Locally Advanced MTC, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options and which one might be best for you.