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The Physiology of Serum Calcitonin and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Medullary Thyroid Cancer

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Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignant tumor of the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland. The parafollicular C-cells are derived from the neural crest and predominantly secrete calcitonin, as well as several other hormones and amines, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), β-melanocyte stimulating hormone, chromogranin, histaminase, neurotensin, and somatostatin [1–6]. Calcitonin is expressed by almost all MTCs; hence, it represents both a valuable tumor-specific marker and a potential therapeutic target [7]. Both serum calcitonin and CEA are considered important tumor  markers in patients with MTC, as their serum concentrations directly correlate to the C-cell mass. Below we will discuss in detail the origin of these markers, expected and altered serum levels, reference ranges, doubling times and the utility of these biomarkers in the perioperative and long-term management of adult MTC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 597 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA

    Naira Baregamian & Carmen C. Solórzano

Authors
  1. Naira Baregamian
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  2. Carmen C. Solórzano
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Correspondence to Carmen C. Solórzano .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Associate Professor of Surgery; Chief, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Tracy S. Wang

  2. Donald C. Ausman Family Foundation Professor in Surgery and Chair, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Douglas B. Evans

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Baregamian, N., Solórzano, C.C. (2016). The Physiology of Serum Calcitonin and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. In: Wang, T., Evans, D. (eds) Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39412-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39412-1_3

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-39412-1

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