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The purpose of this site is to provide a centralized source of current information about medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) for patients and their families.

Most of the contributors to this site are MTC patients or “meddies.” We hope that our shared experiences and knowledge from years, sometimes decades, of living with MTC will be helpful and encouraging to anyone looking for answers and support. Many of us participate in an international e-mail support group for people with MTC and MEN2.

Because of the rare nature of this disease, it is natural to feel a sense of urgency and a fear of the unknown, especially when we are first diagnosed. When we meet another meddie, whether on-line or at one of the outstanding ThyCa conferences or workshops, we experience an instant kinship. The cascade of questions and information exchange that follows creates a very special bond. We hope that everyone visiting this site and the MTC e-mail group will experience this bond as we learn from and support one another.

If you or someone in your family is coping with MTC, we invite you to join the MTC e-mail group. Instructions for joining this group can be found at http://www.thyca.org/email.htm#medullary.

If you would like to speak with an MTC support person, we encourage you to contact ThyCa’s Person-To-Person Network at http://www.thyca.org/tppn.htm. Or you may call the ThyCa toll-free number at 1-877-588-7904.

All too often MTC patients and their families start their MTC journey with little or no knowledge of this rare disease. By reading this web site and communicating with this worldwide group, we can have more confidence that we are staying informed and, hopefully, one step ahead of our disease.

Even though MTC is rare and we are labeled as having an “orphan” disease, we are still very much a part of the greater medical community. The intriguing science and research surrounding MTC overlaps and contributes to the knowledge and understanding of other cancers as well. We hope this MTC site encourages others by helping them appreciate that MTC is not just a footnote in a medical text book, but an actively researched disease.

Updates to Site

This Medullary Thyroid Cancer Site was developed by volunteers of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association and received input and review from numerous physician specialists who provide ongoing input and support to ThyCa’s efforts in education, support, and outreach.

We are grateful to everyone who has helped develop this site. We ask that everyone continue to contribute. If you would like to suggest additions to this web site, please e-mail to medullary@thyca.org.

Disclaimer

The information on this site is compiled by and for MTC patients and their families. While the medical information is reviewed and edited by physician specialists, it is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or directions. Persons reviewing this information are advised to consult their own health care professionals for any matters related to their medical care.