Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Oncology section
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a relatively rare type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. Unlike other types of thyroid
cancer, which arise from follicular cells, MTC arises from a different cell type and behaves differently in terms of prognosis and treatment.
ABOUT MTC
Understanding Sympthomps
Genetic Factors in Medullary Thyroid Cancer
MTC originates from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland, which are responsible for producing calcitonin, a hormone involved in calcium metabolism. The majority of MTC cases are sporadic, occurring spontaneously without a known genetic predisposition.
However, a small percentage of cases are hereditary and associated with specific genetic syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Approximately 25-30% of MTC cases are hereditary and associated with inherited genetic mutations, most commonly in the RET proto-oncogene. Hereditary MTC is often part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), which is further classified into MEN2A and MEN2B subtypes based on associated clinical features. The majority (70-75%) of MTC cases are sporadic and occur without a known genetic predisposition. Sporadic MTC may still have genetic mutations, but these are typically somatic mutations acquired during the individual's lifetime rather than inherited mutations.
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) can involve both germline and somatic genetic alterations that contribute to its development and progression. Germline mutations are inherited genetic changes present in all cells of an individual's body, while somatic mutations are acquired alterations that occur specifically in the cancerous cells of the thyroid gland.
Genetic Basis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Germline Genes:
MEN2 syndrome is further classified into subtypes based on associated clinical features:
Somatic Genes:
