MTC accounts for approximately 3-4% of all thyroid cancers. It differs from more common types like papillary and follicular thyroid cancer in several ways:
Cellular Origin: MTC originates from C cells, while other thyroid cancers arise from follicular cells. Markers: Calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are often elevated in MTC, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring. Genetic Mutations: MTC is frequently associated with mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, particularly in familial cases.
