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Thyroid cancer - CT scan Thyroid gland

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Medullary carcinoma of thyroid

Alternative Names: Thyroid - medullary carcinoma; Cancer - thyroid (medullary carcinoma) Treatment: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, as well as surrounding lymph nodes, is the initial treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective. Text Continues Below The risks of surgery include accidental removal of parathyroid glands or nerve tissue of the larynx, which leads to serious complications. Support Groups: For additional resources, see cancer support group. Expectations (prognosis): The expectation for this type of thyroid cancer varies, depending on the removal of all cancerous tissue. The 10-year survival rate (percentage of people who live at least 10 years after diagnosis) is 70 - 80%. Complications: Medullary carcinoma invading nearby lymph nodes Inadvertent removal of parathyroid glands during surgery Metastasis of cancer to blood vessels or other sites Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

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