Medullary cancer, which affects the parafollicular cells of the thyroid, is rare. It's often associated with the inherited multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. Sylvester cancer experts have extensive experience in treating medullary cancer.

Thyroid cancer treatment is based on several factors, including: 

• Your overall health and medical history
• The extent of the disease
• Other factors determined by our diagnostic tests

Your Sylvester specialist will explain your treatment choices, how successful he or she expects them to be, and the risks and side effects with each option. 

We make use of the latest diagnostic tools, state-of-the-art research, and advanced thyroid cancer knowledge to help you achieve optimal health. Our experts specialize in your exact type of cancer. This allows us to provide a highly accurate diagnosis — often at the genetic level so we can identify the best treatments. 

Test

Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help your doctor determine if a thyroid nodule is solid or fluid-filled. It can also be used to check the number and size of thyroid nodules and to highlight nearby enlarged lymph nodes. Ultrasound uses high-energy sound waves, which bounce off internal tissues or organs to form a picture (sonogram).

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, takes a series of detailed pictures of inside your body, taken from different angles. It's used to determine the extent of cancer and plan treatment.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI combines a magnet, radio waves and a computer to create a series of detailed pictures of the inside of your body. As with CT scans, MRI can help to determine the extent of cancer and plan treatment.

Biopsy
A biopsy is a tissue sample that’s examined for cancer cells. If cancer is found, a tumor genetic mutation analysis may be done to look for specific molecular features in the tumor. This helps us to create the most precise treatment recommendation.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Blood Test
This test measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and checks the overall activity of your thyroid gland. It can also help determine if you would benefit from thyroid hormone replacement therapy after surgery.

T3 and T4 (Thyroid Hormones) Blood Test
This test measures the levels of T3 and T4 hormones, the main hormones made by your thyroid gland. The levels tell your doctor about your thyroid gland function.

Thyroglobulin Test
Thyroglobulin is a protein made by your thyroid gland. This test is used after surgery to determine how your body responded. Treatment should lead to a very low level of thyroglobulin in the blood. If levels are high, you may need further treatment.

Calcitonin Test
Calcitonin is a hormone that helps control how your body uses calcium. It's made by C cells in your thyroid, which can develop into medullary thyroid cancer. This test is used to diagnose this type of cancer or its possible recurrence after treatment.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test
People with medullary thyroid cancer often have high blood levels of this protein. This test can be used after treatment to monitor its effects..

Treatments

Surgery
Surgery removes the thyroid gland and the lymph nodes around it. Sometimes, treatment includes external-beam radiation therapy after surgery; radioactive iodine therapy isn't used. There are two FDA-approved targeted treatments available for medullary cancer. The medicines, called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, block the action of certain enzymes that enable the cancer to grow.

Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has reaffirmed us as South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center. We have been recognized for our scientific leadership, our commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, as well as our engagement with the communities that we serve. For patients, this designation translates into greater access to leading-edge treatment options, including clinical trials that prioritize your specific cancer.

Only center in South Florida with a specialty endocrine testing center. Our specialized testing centers improves diagnosis accuracy, leading to more precise treatments and better results. Located at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the center is staffed by specialized nurses and technical assistants who perform complex hormone tests.

Leading-edge radiation therapy technology. From our pioneering work in MRI-guided techniques and HyperArc™ radiosurgery to our new addition of proton beam therapy, we can precisely target cancer cells with utmost accuracy. We offer advanced treatment options, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and more, to improve outcomes, while preserving healthy organs and tissues.

More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with easy access to the newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.