In article <[log in to unmask]>, tox.rbh
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Diagnosis and monitoring medullary cell carcinoma of the thyroid.
>We still carry out pentagastrin infusion tests (which most patients don't
>like), however, I think some people just do single calcitonin measurements.
>Is there a general concensus on which is either best or necessary?
>
>Paul Robinson
In medullary cell carcinoma of the thyroid pentagastrin
infusion tests are still necessary both for diagnosis
of sporadic cases and for follow-up of positive cases
(who usually will have been treated by surgery).
Screening of family members in familial cases
can now be done now in many cases by DNA analysis.
We have sent samples to Addenbrookes and Ninewells
hospitals in such cases. If the family gene mutation is
absent then no pentagastrin testing is required in
the relatives.
Robin Marks
Halifax
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