Which hormone would be elevated in the blood in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid?

Enhance your knowledge with the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Study with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations for better understanding. Prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which hormone would be elevated in the blood in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid?

Explanation:
Medullary thyroid carcinoma arises from the thyroid’s parafollicular C cells, which normally secrete calcitonin. Because the tumor originates from these cells, it often secretes excess calcitonin into the blood, making calcitonin the hormone that would be elevated. Elevated calcitonin serves as a useful tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring of this cancer. The other substances aren’t produced by C cells: thyroxine comes from follicular thyroid cells, catecholamines come from the adrenal medulla, and secretin is produced in the gut, so they aren’t expected to be elevated in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma arises from the thyroid’s parafollicular C cells, which normally secrete calcitonin. Because the tumor originates from these cells, it often secretes excess calcitonin into the blood, making calcitonin the hormone that would be elevated. Elevated calcitonin serves as a useful tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring of this cancer. The other substances aren’t produced by C cells: thyroxine comes from follicular thyroid cells, catecholamines come from the adrenal medulla, and secretin is produced in the gut, so they aren’t expected to be elevated in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy