Elevated procalcitonin levels can occur in bacterial infections and also in medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Fatih Kaya
    Department of Internal Medicine, Maltepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Tarek Alsafdi
    Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey

Keywords

Procalcitonin, calcitonin, medullary thyroid carcinoma, sigmoid colon tumour, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Abstract

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare and challenging type of thyroid cancer originating from parafollicular cells (C cells) that produce calcitonin. Diagnosing and monitoring this carcinoma can be complex due to its unique biomarkers. Procalcitonin (PCT), a precursor of calcitonin, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are important markers for MTC. Elevated PCT levels, particularly when they remain high post-infection treatment, and elevated CEA levels are significant indicators for suspecting MTC. This report emphasises the diagnostic and prognostic importance of these biomarkers in MTC, highlighting their roles in detecting and monitoring disease progression. Integrating PCT and CEA measurements into routine clinical practice can enhance detection, provide understanding of therapeutic responses and aid in the effective management of MTC.

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    Published: 2024-06-27
    Issue: 2024: LATEST ONLINE (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Kaya F, Alsafdi T. Elevated procalcitonin levels can occur in bacterial infections and also in medullary thyroid carcinoma. EJCRIM 2024;11 doi:10.12890/2024_004679.

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