Medullary carcinoma – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, June 15, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Medullary carcinoma most commonly refers to medullary thyroid cancer and medullary carcinoma of the breast. The tumor in medullary carcinoma is a soft, fleshy mass that resembles a part of the brain called the medulla. Medullary thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland that occurs in C cells, which are cells that release a hormone called calcitonin. This type of thyroid cancer is very rare and can occur in children and adults. The cause of medullary thyroid cancer is unknown, but it is less likely to be caused by radiation therapy unlike other types of thyroid cancer. A family history of medullary thyroid cancer, a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN), and a history of pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, or hyperparathyroidism increase the risk of medullary thyroid cancer.

On the other hand, medullary carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma or cancer that starts in the milk duct and spreads beyond it. This type of breast cancer can develop at any age, but it typically affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. Medullary carcinoma cells generally look aggressive, highly abnormal cells, but do not act like them. They do not grow rapidly and usually do not spread outside the breast to the lymph nodes.

Known side effects of medullary carcinoma

The side effects of medullary thyroid cancer include a lump on the neck, neck pain, hoarseness, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. It may also cause severe diarrhea, cushing syndrome, facial flushing, bone pain, lethargy, and sudden weight loss. The side effects of medullary carcinoma of the breast include a soft and fleshy or firm to the touch lump, pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the breast.

Body systems harmed by medullary carcinoma

Medullary carcinoma may harm the endocrine system or the reproductive system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent medullary carcinoma

There is no information on what foods or nutrients prevent medullary carcinoma.

Treatments, management plans for medullary carcinoma

Treatment for medullary thyroid cancer may include surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine, external beam radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Treatment for medullary carcinoma of the breast may include surgery to remove the tumor and any affected lymph nodes if necessary, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.