Calcitonin (CT)

The most prominent clinical syndrome associated with a disordered hypersecretion of Calcitonin is medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC). MTC is a tumor of the Calcitonin producing C-cells of the thyroid gland. Although MTC is rare, comprising 5 - 10% of all thyroid cancer, it is often fatal. It may occur sporadically or in a familial form that is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. MTC has great clinical importance because of its familial distribution. Further, it leant itself to be diagnosed early by serum Calcitonin and total cure for early sub-clinical disease is possible1. This is frequently associated with other clinical features and it has good potential for cure with surgery. Although a rare tumor, it can occur in a familial pattern1 as a Type II multiple endocrine neoplasia.