Carcinoma medullare is a term used to describe a specific type of thyroid cancer. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kɑrˈsɪnəʊmə ˌmɛdʌˈlɛərɪ/. The first part, "carcinoma," is pronounced with a hard "c" sound and four distinct syllables. The second part, "medullare," is pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable and a soft "a" sound. This spelling allows for accurate pronunciation and communication in medical settings, where precise terminology is essential for patient care.
Carcinoma medullare, also known as medullary carcinoma, is a type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells, most commonly found in the thyroid gland. It is a distinct subtype of thyroid cancer that accounts for approximately 5-10% of all thyroid malignancies.
This type of carcinoma is characterized by the presence of tumor cells that have a distinct appearance resembling the cells found in the medulla or central part of the thyroid gland. Unlike other forms of thyroid cancer, carcinoma medullare is primarily caused by genetic changes within the cells rather than exposure to external factors such as radiation.
Typically, carcinoma medullare is slow-growing and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the tumor progresses, symptoms may include a painless lump or nodule in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or swelling of the lymph nodes. In some cases, the cancer may produce hormones leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, flushing, and excessive sweating.
Due to its genetic origin, carcinoma medullare can be associated with certain familial conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. Genetic testing is often recommended for individuals diagnosed with this type of thyroid cancer to determine if there are any underlying genetic mutations that may impact treatment and guide management decisions.
Treatment for carcinoma medullare usually involves surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland, often accompanied by the removal of surrounding lymph nodes. Additional treatments such as radioactive iodine therapy or targeted drug therapies may be considered in more advanced cases. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are typically recommended to ensure the long-term management and surveillance of this type of cancer.
Medullary cancer, one in which the growth consists almost entirely of cells, the fibrous stroma being very small in amount.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "carcinoma medullare" is a Latin-derived medical term that consists of two main components: "carcinoma" and "medullare".
1. Carcinoma: The word "carcinoma" originates from the Greek word "karkinos", meaning "crab". It was used to describe cancerous tumors due to their irregular, crab-like shape. Over time, the term "carcinoma" has evolved to refer to malignant tumors arising from epithelial tissues, which covers the external and internal surfaces of the body.
2. Medullare: The term "medullare" is derived from the Latin word "medulla", meaning "marrow" or "core". In medical terminology, "medullare" typically refers to the innermost part or core structure of an organ or tissue.