Screening method for medullary carcinoma thyroid is :: (A) Serum calcitonin, (B) S. calcium, (C) S. alkaline phosphate, (D) S. acid phosphatase
Answer is A. Answer is A (Serum Calcitonin): Medullary Carcinoma Thyroid are tumors of para-follicular 'C' cells derived from the neural crest, & are not derived from the cells of thyroid follicles. Since these pars follicular 'C' cells secrete CalcitoninQ, high level of serum Calcitonin (> 0.08 zsg/m1) are found. These levels fall after resection, & will rise again if the tumor recurs, making it the ideal candidate for screening tests. Also note :These cancers are associated with HypocalcemiaQ because calcitonin counteracts parathormnone.