Question:

Calcitonin levels are increased in medullary thyroid carcinoma. This tumour is most commonly associated with which one of the following?

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Raised calcitonin signals medullary thyroid carcinoma - recall its MEN 2 parathyroid link.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Cushing Syndrome
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Calcitonin is secreted by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid. A strongly raised serum calcitonin is the biochemical marker of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and the level falls to undetectable after a successful total thyroidectomy.
Step 2: MTC is frequently a component of the MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2) syndromes. In MEN 2A, MTC occurs together with phaeochromocytoma and parathyroid disease.
Step 3: Hyperparathyroidism is present in roughly 20-30 percent of patients with MTC because of associated parathyroid hyperplasia or adenoma. This makes hyperparathyroidism the correct association.
Step 4: Hyperthyroidism is not linked, since C cells do not affect thyroid hormone output. Hypoparathyroidism is the opposite of the expected finding, and Cushing syndrome is a far rarer paraneoplastic event. Hence the answer is hyperparathyroidism.
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