The thyroid gland is a small gland that is situated at the base of the neck. It is part of the body’s endocrine system. Many different types of thyroid cancer depend on the cause of cancer and how it spreads. Of all these forms, medullary thyroid cancer is one of the rarer types of thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is further divided into four types. These are as follows:
Sporadic
Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer is the most common among the forms of medullary thyroid cancer. The name of the form itself gives away its cause of development: it is sporadic. No research indicates that a particular gene or inherited trait leads to this form of medullary thyroid cancer.
MEN 2A-associated medullary thyroid cancer
The full form of MEN is multiple endocrine neoplasia. Several forms of MEN lead to various health issues with the endocrine gland. MEN 2A is the type that causes a form of medullary thyroid cancer. This is one of the types of thyroid cancer that is caused due to mutations in the genes. Hyperparathyroidism can occur along with MEN 2A. In hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid glands become hyperactive and secrete more than normal amounts of their hormones. This leads to many health issues such as joint aches, memory loss, depression, nausea and vomiting, and overall fatigue.
MEN 2B-associated medullary thyroid cancer
Like MEN 2A, MEN 2B is also a form of medullary thyroid cancer. However, there are some differences between the two. MEN 2B is not accompanied by hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, MEN 2B might also be accompanied by certain noticeable physical symptoms. These can include swelling in the eyelids and tumors on the tongue. MEN 2B is also caused by mutations in the genes. It often runs in families, though there have been cases of patients developing MEN 2B form of medullary thyroid cancer despite having no family history of the disease.
Familial
Just like the name suggests, familial medullary thyroid cancer is usually passed in the genes. Yet, this form must be distinguished from the MEN 2A and MEN 2B associated forms of medullary thyroid cancer. This is because unlike MEN 2A and MEN 2B, the familial type has no links with any endocrine issues. The cancer simply occurs by itself.
No matter the type of medullary thyroid cancer, an early diagnosis is always suggested. The main treatment for any of these types of thyroid cancer is a total thyroidectomy. In a total thyroidectomy, the thyroid gland is removed in its entirety. This surgery works best for aggressive types of thyroid cancer. If thyroid cancer runs in your family, annual check-ups are a must. Early diagnosis can help arrest the spread of thyroid cancer and improve your chances of a speedy and complete recovery.
