Medullary thyroid cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare endocrine neoplasm that arises from the parafollicular C cells. Sporadic and familial (inheritable) forms of this disease exist. An emerging molecular and genetic understanding of this, neoplasm is evolving which m ay impact upon management,including screening and prophylactic treatment. Interdisciplinary evaluation and management including surgeons, endocrinologists, pathologists, radiologists, radiotherapists, and medical oncologists should be sought. Surgery remains the foundation of treatments that offer local and regional control and the potential for cure. Prognosis is variable but stage of disease and age are the main prognostic factors. Molecular genetic predictors of biologic potential remain to be established.