A 54-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden shortness of breath. A CT scan shows multiple nodules in her left lung. She reports that for the past 6 months, she has been feeling tired and depressed. She also has frequently felt flushed, which she presumed is a symptom of getting closer to menopause. On physical examination, a nodule with a size of 2.5 cm is palpable in the left lobe of the thyroid gland; the nodule is firm and non-tender. Cervical lymphadenopathy is present. Cytology obtained by fine needle aspiration indicates a high likelihood of thyroid carcinoma. Laboratory findings show a serum basal calcitonin of 620 pg/mL. A thyroidectomy is performed but the patient presents again to the ER with flushing and diarrhea within 6 weeks. Considering this patient, which of the following treatment options should be pursued? A. Observation B. Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression D. Tamoxifen E. Vandetanib
