What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?
The thyroid gland has two lobes, one on either side of the neck. It wraps around the trachea (windpipe) just below the Adam’s apple (see illustration). The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism and other functions. What are the different types of thyroid cancer? There are four types of thyroid carcinoma (cancer): papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and medullary. Each type is caused by an abnormality of a specific cell type. The thyroid has two cell types: follicular and parafollicular. Follicular cells produce thyroid hormone. Malignant tumors of this cell type include papillary, follicular, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) produce calcitonin. A malignant tumor of this cell type is called medullary thyroid carcinoma or MTC. What is medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)? MTC is a malignant tumor of the parafollicular cell (C cell) in the thyroid gland. MTC is characterized by several features: • The tumor may occur in
