Calcitonin

Does this check produce other names?

Human calcitonin, hCT, thyrocalcitonin

What is that this check?

This check measures how a lot calcitonin is in your blood. Calcitonin is a hormone made by the thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It makes hormones that management metabolism.

Why do I would like this check?

You might want this check if in case you have signs of medullary thyroid most cancers. These embrace a lump or swelling in your neck.

In case you’ve been recognized with thyroid most cancers, your healthcare supplier can use this check to see how properly most cancers remedy is working. They might additionally use this check to examine if the most cancers has come again.

This check can also be used as a screening check for folks with a household historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers. Screening lets you understand extra about your threat of growing the most cancers. It lets you understand whether or not it is best to take extra steps. The sooner most cancers is discovered, the higher your possibilities of survival.

You additionally might need this check in case your healthcare supplier thinks you could have C-cell hyperplasia. This can be a benign thyroid illness that runs in households.

What different exams may I’ve together with this check?

Medullary thyroid most cancers can have an effect on calcium ranges. So you might also have a blood check to measure the quantity of calcium in your blood.

Individuals with medullary thyroid most cancers are more likely to have excessive ranges of a protein referred to as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of their blood. Blood exams for CEA can typically assist healthcare suppliers diagnose this most cancers.

What do my check outcomes imply?

Check outcomes might differ relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your check outcomes could also be totally different relying on the lab used. They might not imply you could have an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your check outcomes imply for you.

Calcitonin is measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Regular outcomes are:

Greater ranges of calcitonin may imply that you’ve medullary thyroid most cancers or that your most cancers has returned. Decrease ranges imply your tumor is shrinking.

Having most cancers of the breast, lung, or pancreas can even increase ranges.

How is that this check carried out?

The check is completed with a blood pattern. A needle is used to attract blood from a vein in your arm or hand. 

Does this check pose any dangers?

Having a blood check with a needle carries some dangers. These embrace bleeding, an infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you could really feel a slight sting or ache. Afterward, the positioning could also be sore. 

What may have an effect on my check outcomes?

Different situations could cause increased ranges of calcitonin. These embrace:

• Being pregnant

• Taking sure medicines, together with oral contraceptives, epinephrine, glucagon, and calcium

How do I prepare for this check?

You’ll in all probability should quick beginning at midnight earlier than your check. Ask your healthcare supplier if it is OK to drink water. Make sure your supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you take. This consists of medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medication you could use.