Question:hard
Calcitonin levels are increased in medullary thyroid carcinoma. This tumour is most commonly associated with which one of the following?
Calcitonin levels are increased in medullary thyroid carcinoma. This tumour is most commonly associated with which one of the following?
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Raised calcitonin signals medullary thyroid carcinoma - recall its MEN 2 parathyroid link.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Cushing Syndrome
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: A rising calcitonin points to medullary thyroid carcinoma, a tumour of the calcitonin-producing C cells, and rising levels after surgery signal relapse or spread.
Step 2: This cancer travels in families as part of MEN 2 syndromes, which bundle MTC with adrenal and parathyroid lesions.
Step 3: Among these, the parathyroid component shows up as hyperparathyroidism in about a fifth to a third of affected patients, so the strongest clinical association of MTC in this list is hyperparathyroidism.
Step 4: Thyroid hormone excess, low parathyroid activity, and cortisol excess do not fit the MEN 2 pattern that drives MTC, eliminating the other three.
\[\boxed{\text{Hyperparathyroidism}}\]
Step 2: This cancer travels in families as part of MEN 2 syndromes, which bundle MTC with adrenal and parathyroid lesions.
Step 3: Among these, the parathyroid component shows up as hyperparathyroidism in about a fifth to a third of affected patients, so the strongest clinical association of MTC in this list is hyperparathyroidism.
Step 4: Thyroid hormone excess, low parathyroid activity, and cortisol excess do not fit the MEN 2 pattern that drives MTC, eliminating the other three.
\[\boxed{\text{Hyperparathyroidism}}\]
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