Calcitonin

General information:

Calcitonin is a hormone that is mainly secreted by cells located between the thyroid follicles (paralysis cells, C-cells). In small amounts, it is also synthesized by neuroendocrine cells in various tissues: intestinal tract, lung, and others. Calcitonin is involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Higher levels of calcitonin in childhood, pregnant women and men. Metabolized by the kidneys and the liver.

Serum calcitonin was tested as a tumour marker for the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma. The calcitonin test is used to:

• Tracking the effect of ongoing therapy (the first postoperative follow-up should not be performed earlier than 2 weeks after surgery);
• Early detection of recurrence or metastasis;
• For screening medullary carcinoma in relatives of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasias II;

Sample Required:

Venous blood in the morning in fasting

Keywords:

Calcitonin, thyroid, osteoporosis