Table of Content

Introduction 

Healthcare professionals suggest a calcitonin test to measure the levels of calcium in your blood. Calcitonin is a hormone made in your thyroid gland by C cells and aids in controlling the calcium levels in the blood. Unlike parathyroid hormone which increases your blood calcium levels, calcitonin reduces them in two ways: It reduces the function of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. When bone is resorbed, the calcium stored in the bone is released into the blood.

The concentration of calcitonin is lower in the blood, but too much presence can cause medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and C-cell hyperplasia. These conditions can be inherited, meaning pass from one generation to the next, causing complications. Hence, he may suggest a calcitonin test depending on the symptoms. 

Common symptoms associated with abnormal calcitonin levels in your blood sample include a lump or swelling at the front of your neck, hoarseness of voice, and difficulty breathing.

Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab- Redcliffe Labs is India’s widest home sample collection network. We are trusted by 70+ lakh Indian patients for providing expert testing and honest pricing. Therefore, if your healthcare suggests or already suggested a test, get yourself tested with us now. 

Book a calcitonin test with a home sample collection. Get care beyond the reports.

Test Details

What is the purpose of the calcitonin test?

Below are reasons why a healthcare professional suggests a calcitonin test: 

1. When you have symptoms of MTC and C-cell hyperplasia: if a doctor suspects that you have symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia, he may suggest you take a calcitonin test. These rare conditions are defined as below. 
2. Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC): Also referred to as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome, it is a rare form of thyroid cancer, and instead of C-cells growing inside the thyroid gland, they grow out of control. It is malignant and is difficult to treat if not detected early. Additionally, about 75% of patients suffer from medullary cancer who do not have a family history of the disease. And, up to 25% of MTC cases are linked to an inherited variant (mutation) in the RET gene that results in MEN 2. Therefore, it is sporadic and develops when you are in your 40s or 50s. Compared to men, the condition is more common in women. 
3. C-cell hyperplasia is a rare condition that causes abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid. It could turn into an MTC, depending on the severity of symptoms. 
4. Monitors the progression of the disease: The calcitonin test is also primarily used to help determine whether a treatment (surgery) to remove the medullary thyroid has been effective. There are chances for recurrence of the thyroid cancer. 
5. When you have signs and symptoms: Calcitonin tests may be ordered when you have the following signs and symptoms: 

• The front of your neck is swollen
• Painful throat, or front of your neck
• A change in the voice
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Persistent cough without having a cold. 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Diarrhea

Other Conditions When A Healthcare Professional May Suggest A Test: 

Other conditions when you may be prescribed a test because calcitonin may be higher in certain tumors, such as: 

1. Insulinoma

It is a pancreatic cancer that produces too much insulin. This can cause low blood pressure (hypoglycemia), causing sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or weakness. 

2. Lung cancer

Studies reveal that men with calcitonin levels were significantly higher in men with bronchogenic cancer. 

3. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (ViPoma) 

It is a rare cancer that usually occurs in adults around age 50. It grows from islet cells in the pancreas. ViPoma 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare suggests a calcitonin test, get it done immediately to help find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. 

What does the calcitonin test detect?

The calcitonin test helps detect the level of calcitonin. It is a hormone that helps regulate how the body utilizes calcium. C-cells are special cells that produce calcitonin in the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. 

The test helps detect: 

• A Medullary thyroid cancer screens, diagnoses, and monitors medullary thyroid carcinoma originates in the C-cells.
• Evaluates thyroid nodules: The test also evaluates if the thyroid nodules may be cancerous, especially, if MTC is suspected. 
• Monitor treatment: The test helps track the effectiveness of treatment if you underwent surgery or taking therapy for MTC removal. 
• Screen for familial MTC: The test also helps detect if MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndrome runs in your family.

What are the benefits of a calcitonin test?

The benefits of a calcitonin test are: 

• It helps diagnose C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer in people with signs and symptoms. 
• It helps find out if the treatment for MTC is working. 
• The test also helps doctors learn whether the cancer has returned after treatment. 
• Additionally, a calcitonin test screens people at a high risk, especially, if the MTC runs in the family. Medicines, certain other cancers, and pregnancy can also increase the risk. 

An early and accurate diagnosis of MTC leads to better treatment outcomes. It can increase the chances of survival. Getting calcitonin levels tested in time allows for prompt medical intervention and also reduces the risk of cancer progression in other parts of the body. 

Preparation for the Calcitonin Test

There is no special preparation, including, no fasting needed for a calcitonin test. You can drink or eat your regular food before the test. Consult your doctor if you have doubts or concerns about preparation for the test. 

Medicines might interfere with the test results. Avoid taking your regular medicines before the test only if your doctor suggests. 

No strenuous exercises before the test as it can cause hormone fluctuations and make blood draw difficult for the phlebotomist/doctor. 

Procedure for the Calcitonin Test

The Calcitonin Test procedure takes five minutes to complete. It is simple and involves minimal risks. The phlebotomist will submit your blood sample to the laboratory for analysis. 

Before the Test

• The phlebotomist will search for a suitable vein in your arm. 
• Then, he will tie a tourniquet band around your arm to make the vein more visible. 
• He will clean the site with a disinfectant to avoid infection. 

During the Test

• Then, he will insert a needle at the injection site and collect a small amount of blood in a vial. 

After the Test

Once the blood sample is transferred into a blood collection tube, the phlebotomist will open the torniquet band, apply a cotton gauze and press down for several seconds. 

At last, the blood sample will be analyzed in the lab and the results will be produced. 

What are the risks associated with a calcitonin test?

A calcitonin test is not a high-risk test. The test involves needle insertion; therefore, some slight complications may arise in rare cases such as: 

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheadedness
• Swelling 
• Infection. 

Consult your doctor if symptoms don't go away in 2-3 days. Seek medical assistance immediately to avoid complications. 

What does the calcitonin test reports indicate?

The calcitonin test is done to check the calcitonin level with the primary purpose of detecting medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). 

Normal Range

• A normal calcitonin level for males is less than 25 pg/mL ( picograms per milliliter) and less than 20 pg/mL for females. It does not rule out that you have either of the conditions. Additional testing may be needed. 

High Calcitonin Levels May Indicate

A high calcitonin level means that too much calcitonin is produced in your thyroid. The higher the level, it increases your chances of having medullary thyroid cancer. 

Additionally, high calcitonin levels may indicate chronic kidney disease, C-cell hyperplasia, other cancers such as lung, breast, or pancreas (rare), autoimmune thyroiditis, or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) 

Besides, C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) calcitonin levels may be elevated due to:

• Intestinal, gastric, or bronchial carcinoid tumors
• Chronic renal failure
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Pernicious anemia

Low Calcitonin Levels

If your calcitonin test report shows a low level, it is not a matter of concern. It does not rule out early-stage MTC completely either. 

Note: Calcitonin lab test results vary depending on the lab where you were tested, age, and other medical conditions. 

What if the calcitonin test reports are positive?

If the calcitonin test reports are positive, it means elevated levels. There could be a possibility of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Elevated levels are the most specific marker for MTC- even before the symptoms appear. 

Additionally, chronic conditions, pregnancy & lactation, smoking, and high calcium intake also contribute to elevations. 

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

• Ultrasound of the thyroid
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
• Genetic testing for RET mutations
• Surgery 

Note: Discuss your calcitonin test report with your professional for your understanding. He will suggest the most appropriate treatment plan to manage the condition. It may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or medicines. 

Who should take the test?

A person with symptoms of either MTC or C-cell hyperplasia should get tested. These may include a lump in front of the neck, throat pain, trouble swallowing, a long-lasting cough without a cold, and diarrhea. 

Those with signs of endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) that can affect their thyroid, adrenal, and a parathyroid gland should take a calcitonin test. Although symptoms vary depending on the gland, common signs include: 

1. Fatigue
2. Depression
3. Aches and pains in bones and joints
4. High blood pressure
5. Sweating 
6. Headaches
7. Increased thirst and urination

Additionally, if you already have medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), you may need the test again to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. And check whether the cancer is coming back. 

Calcitonin Test Price - Redcliffe Labs

Redcliffe Labs offers a calcitonin test at an affordable price. The test helps detect thyroid disorders and medullary thyroid cancer at an early stage. It measures the calcitonin hormone levels in your blood which is crucial for calcium regulation. 

Calcitonin test price is INR 2300 at Redcliffe Labs with the convenience of accurate reports, expert testing, and home sample collection with care beyond reports. 

So, why wait? Call us at 898 898 87 87 or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a calcitonin test online. Take a proactive step towards better thyroid health!

Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Calcitonin Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer Calcitonin Test PAN India. Please call on the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Conclusion

The calcitonin test is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps detect medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and monitor the efficacy of treatment or recurrence. Early detection paves the way for significantly improved treatment outcomes, especially if you have familial thyroid cancer or symptoms suggestive of MTC. 

Elevated calcitonin levels may indicate thyroid malignancy, and can also be influenced by other conditions. Consult your calcitonin test results with a healthcare professional in context with other clinical findings. If prescribed, timely testing and regular follow-ups are key to managing thyroid health effectively.