We study a third-order nonlinear evolution equation, which can be transformed to the modified KdV equation,using the Lie symmetry method. The Lie point symmetries and the one-dimensional optimal system of the symmetryalgebras are determined. Those symmetries are some types of nonlocal symmetries or hidden symmetries of the modifiedKdV equation. The group-invariant solutions, particularly the travelling wave and spiral wave solutions, are discussedin detail, and a type of spiral wave solution which is smooth in the origin is obtained.