Do I need a Calcitonin test?

Have you been referred for thyroid cancer screening, or do you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)? Understanding your calcitonin level can be an important step in early detection and peace of mind.

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by special cells in your thyroid gland. Doctors measure this biomarker because elevated levels may indicate MTC, a rare type of thyroid cancer, helping to detect it early and monitor how treatment is progressing.

Knowing your calcitonin level can help you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about your thyroid health and cancer risk. This biomarker is particularly valuable if you're being screened for MTC or monitored after thyroid surgery. Listen Health includes calcitonin in its comprehensive cancer screening panel, giving you access to reliable testing as part of your preventative health journey.

Calcitonin — Key Facts
MeasuresHelps detect and monitor a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma
CategoryCancer Indicators
Unitpositive / negative
Tested inListen Health Standard & Premium membership (100+ biomarkers)
Reviewed byDr Jamie Deans, MBChB

What is it?

Calcitonin is a hormone made by special cells in the thyroid gland called C cells. Its main job in the body is to help regulate calcium levels, but for most people, it does not play a major role in everyday health. Doctors use calcitonin as a tumor marker because certain thyroid cancers (especially MTC) release extra calcitonin into the blood. Measuring calcitonin can help find MTC early, guide treatment, and monitor for recurrence after surgery. Newer blood tests for calcitonin are highly accurate, but results can be affected by other health conditions, medications, and even the type of test used

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Why does it matter?

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is rare, but early detection can improve outcomes. High calcitonin levels are strongly linked to MTC, especially if the level is above 100 pg/mL. However, other conditions—like kidney disease, certain lung or neuroendocrine tumors, autoimmune thyroid disease, and some medications—can also raise calcitonin. Smoking, alcohol, and infections may cause false positives. For people with a family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), calcitonin testing is especially important.

What causes fluctuations?

Calcitonin levels can change due to:

  • Thyroid cancer (especially MTC)

  • Other cancers (lung, pancreas, neuroendocrine tumors)

  • Kidney failure, autoimmune thyroid disease, high calcium, or certain medications (like proton pump inhibitors)

  • Smoking, alcohol, infections, and stress

  • Sex, age, and body weight

  • Laboratory differences and test methods

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Total

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Free

Cancer Antigen 125

GGT / ALT

Eosinophils

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.