Calcitonin

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a critical role in calcium regulation in the body. It regulates serum calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. High levels of calcitonin in the blood can be indicative of certain conditions, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and C-cell hyperplasia. This is where the Calcitonin panel comes into play. It is a diagnostic test that measures the levels of calcitonin in the blood.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is an uncommon type of thyroid cancer that begins in the C cells of the thyroid gland. Some symptoms of MTC include:
1. A lump or swelling in the neck.
2. Pain in the neck.
3. Hoarseness or difficulty speaking.
4. Trouble swallowing.
5. Swollen lymph nodes.

In addition to these symptoms, patients with MTC may also develop signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), such as:
1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Constipation
3. Fatigue
4. Muscle weakness
5. Confusion
6. Abdominal pain

Test procedure

The Calcitonin panel is a blood test that requires a sample of blood from the patient's vein. The patient may be asked to fast for a specific number of hours before the test, with specific instructions given by their healthcare provider.
1. The healthcare professional will clean the site where the blood will be drawn.
2. They will then insert a needle into a vein in your arm.
3. A small amount of blood will be collected into a vial or tube.
4. The needle will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the site to stop bleeding.
5. The blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing.

The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test results usually take about four days to come back.

Treatment options

If you receive a positive diagnosis for Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC), your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment options for MTC include surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Benefits of early diagnosis:

An early diagnosis of MTC can lead to better treatment outcomes and a higher rate of survival. Getting tested for calcitonin levels can help detect MTC early on, allowing for prompt medical intervention. Early detection also reduces the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Also, it includes the following benefits-
- Early detection of medullary thyroid cancer
- Better treatment outcomes
- Improved quality of life

Booking the test

To opt for the Calcitonin test at Apollo 24|7, patients can visit the website and book an appointment in just a few clicks. The test results will be available within four days of taking the test. Early detection is essential for better treatment outcomes and survival rates. By booking a slot on Apollo 24|7, patients can take control of their health and get tested at their convenience.