Medullary thyroid cancer arises from which type of cells?

Medullary thyroid cancer specifically arises from parafollicular C cells, also known simply as C cells. These cells are responsible for the production of calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by lowering calcium concentrations when they are elevated.

In the context of thyroid pathology, understanding the origin of different types of cancer is crucial, as it influences both the clinical approach and the management of the disease. Medullary thyroid cancer is associated with genetic syndromes, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), which further ties its classification to the C cells.

Other cell types mentioned in the question have distinct functions and are involved in different types of thyroid conditions. Follicular cells, for example, are involved in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) but are not the origin of medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary cells is a term that may cause confusion, as it is not a formally defined term in the same way as parafollicular C cells. Corticoid cells relate to the adrenal cortex and do not pertain to thyroid pathology altogether. Understanding these relationships helps clarify why parafollicular C cells are the correct answer in