Does high thyroid calcitonin mean thyroid cancer?

High thyroid calcitonin levels do not necessarily mean thyroid cancer. There are many reasons for high thyroid calcitonin levels, including hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, etc.

1. Thyroid cancer

Thyroid calcitonin is a hormone secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. Its elevation can be seen in patients with medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Therefore, high thyroid calcitonin levels may be caused by thyroid cancer.

2. Not thyroid cancer

1. Hyperthyroidism: Due to the excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, the body's metabolism is hyperactive and the sympathetic nerves are excited. Symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and weight loss may occur. If the examination finds that the level of thyroid calcitonin is high, it indicates that you may have hyperthyroidism;

2. Hypoparathyroidism: When the parathyroid glands are damaged or dysfunctional, the secretion of parathyroid hormone will decrease, causing hypocalcemia, which in turn leads to a series of symptoms such as osteoporosis, hand and foot cramps, etc., which may also manifest as elevated thyroid calcitonin.

If there are adrenal cortical carcinoma, islet cell tumor, etc., the above situation may also occur. It is recommended to go to the hospital for relevant examinations in time and carry out targeted treatment according to the specific cause under the guidance of the doctor. In daily life, you should maintain good living habits, avoid staying up late, and pay attention to rest.