PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which thyroid cancer is often familial and produces calcitonin?

1. Follicular

2. Anaplastic

3. Medullary

4. Papillary

The correct answer is: Medullary

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is known for being associated with familial syndromes, particularly Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndrome. This familial aspect is significant because it often leads to genetic screening and proactive management of at-risk individuals. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland, and its production is notably increased in medullary thyroid carcinoma. The measurement of serum calcitonin levels is used in both the diagnosis and monitoring of this type of cancer, further illustrating the connection between the cancer and this specific hormone. In contrast, follicular, anaplastic, and papillary thyroid carcinomas do not have the same familial association or the characteristic of producing calcitonin that medullary thyroid carcinoma does. While papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type and can have genetic factors, it does not produce calcitonin. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is aggressive and does not have a genetic predisposition linked to familial syndromes. Follicular thyroid carcinoma also lacks the features of familial inheritance or calcitonin production specific to medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thus, the unique association of medullary thyroid carcinoma with familial syndromes and its ability