What does the Calcitonin - CALC blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body. This test measures the amount of calcitonin in the blood and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It can also be used to evaluate other conditions that affect calcium metabolism. Elevated calcitonin levels may indicate the presence of MTC or other neuroendocrine tumors. Regular monitoring of calcitonin levels is essential for patients with a history of MTC or those at high risk for developing the disease. The test may also be used in conjunction with other thyroid function tests to assess overall thyroid health and function.
A low calcitonin level is generally not considered clinically significant. Calcitonin levels naturally fluctuate and can be low in healthy individuals. However, consistently low levels might indicate:
In most cases, low calcitonin does not require treatment unless associated with specific symptoms or conditions.
Elevated calcitonin levels may indicate:
High calcitonin levels require further investigation, including imaging studies and potentially a thyroid biopsy. If MTC is confirmed, treatment typically involves surgery and long-term monitoring. The degree of elevation can help determine the extent of disease and guide treatment decisions.