MTC

Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes

MTC
Stands forMedullary thyroid carcinoma
CategoriesMedical

MTC stands for Medullary thyroid carcinoma, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.

Thyroid cancer arising from the calcitonin-producing parafollicular C cells rather than follicular cells, making up a small minority of thyroid cancers. About a quarter of cases are hereditary, caused by RET gene mutations as part of MEN2.

Example: Elevated calcitonin and CEA with thyroid nodule; MTC confirmed, RET testing and pheochromocytoma screen first.

Usage notes

Calcitonin and CEA serve as tumor markers. Because MTC cells do not take up iodine, radioactive iodine is ineffective. GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a boxed warning contraindicating use in people with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN2, based on rodent studies. RET inhibitors such as selpercatinib treat advanced disease.

More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations

  • LH – Luteinizing hormone
  • MDI – Multiple daily injections
  • MEN – Multiple endocrine neoplasia
  • MetS – Metabolic syndrome
  • MNG – Multinodular goiter
  • MODY – Maturity-onset diabetes of the young
  • NIDDM – Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
  • OGTT – Oral glucose tolerance test
  • PA – Primary aldosteronism
  • PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • PHPT – Primary hyperparathyroidism
  • PRL – Prolactin

See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.