How are Calcitonin Levels Used in Cancer Diagnosis and Management?
Calcitonin levels are particularly valuable in the diagnosis and management of medullary thyroid cancer. Elevated levels can prompt further diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound imaging, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and genetic testing for RET mutations, which are commonly associated with familial forms of MTC. Post-treatment, calcitonin levels are monitored to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and to detect potential recurrences.
