Homework #6 - Human Medical Conditions

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Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences *

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301

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Health Science

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May 24, 2024

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pdf

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Aya Almubarak Professor Dr. Vogt's ABIO131 14 April 2024 Human Medical Conditions Medullary thyroid cancer: What is the condition you've researched? Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, MTC is less common and tends to be more aggressive. How do you get this disease? Medullary thyroid cancer can be either sporadic or hereditary. Sporadic MTC occurs without any known genetic predisposition and typically develops later in life. Hereditary MTC, on the other hand, is caused by mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that a person only needs one copy of the mutated gene from one parent to develop the disease. What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer may include a lump or nodule in the thyroid gland, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, neck pain, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some individuals may also experience symptoms related to excess production of calcitonin, such as diarrhea and flushing of the face.
How is the condition diagnosed? Diagnosis of MTC typically involves a combination of imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, along with biopsy of the thyroid nodule to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Blood tests may also be performed to measure levels of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which are often elevated in individuals with MTC. What body system(s) and organs/tissues are directly impacted by the condition? Medullary thyroid cancer primarily affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck. However, as the cancer progresses, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and bones. What are the treatment options? Treatment options for medullary thyroid cancer may include surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), along with nearby lymph nodes if they are involved. Radioactive iodine therapy may be used to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells. In cases of advanced or metastatic disease, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, may be prescribed to slow the progression of the cancer. Prognosis of the condition? The prognosis for medullary thyroid cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Overall, the prognosis tends to be better for individuals with localized disease that is detected and treated early. However, advanced or metastatic MTC can be more challenging to treat and may have a poorer prognosis. Personal impact of this condition on your life or reason you're specifically interested in it. My grandmother was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer 11 years ago, which sparked my interest in learning more about this condition. Witnessing her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery has inspired me to gain a deeper understanding of the disease and its impact on individuals and families.
Citations: Wells, S. A. (2014). Medullary Thyroid Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(6), 559–560. doi:10.1056/nejmc1407465 American Thyroid Association. (2020). Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.thyroid.org/medullary-thyroid-cancer/ National Cancer Institute. (2021). Medullary Thyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/medullary-thyroid-treatment-pdq Image: https://together.stjude.org/en-us/about-pediatric-cancer/types/thyroid-tumors/medullary-thyroid-cancer.ht ml Image: https://www.verywellhealth.com/medullary-thyroid-cancer-4707201
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