What discomforts can thyroid cancer cause in the body?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Thyroid cancer is a common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In its early stages, thyroid cancer has little effect on the body, and generally does not cause any discomfort. However, as the disease progresses and the tumor invades outward and metastasizes to distant areas, it can lead to various uncomfortable sensations. For example, if thyroid cancer invades surrounding tissues and organs, such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the patient may experience symptoms like a hoarse voice and choking while drinking. If thyroid cancer metastasizes to the cervical lymph nodes, the patient may also develop Horner's syndrome, which is characterized by a constricted pupil, drooping eyelid, and absence of sweating on the affected side of the face. If the patient develops superior vena cava syndrome, it can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and swelling of the face and neck. If thyroid cancer metastasizes to the lungs or other distant areas, the patient may also experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
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Is thyroid cancer without lymph node metastasis considered early stage?

Thyroid cancer, if it has not metastasized to lymph nodes, generally falls under early-stage. Once thyroid cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal is the primary treatment choice. Postoperative treatments vary depending on the different pathological types of thyroid cancer. For the most common type, papillary carcinoma, if the surgery is radically curative, further treatment may not be necessary, and merely supplementing thyroid hormones suffices. In cases such as follicular carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, or medullary carcinoma, even after surgically radical removal, postoperative treatment often requires further radiotherapy or treatment with Iodine-131, depending on the surgical pathology results. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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Is a hypoechoic area definitely thyroid cancer?

A thyroid nodule underwent an ultrasound B-examination and showed hypoechoic features, but this does not necessarily indicate thyroid cancer. It is essential to conduct relevant tests to determine the cause. For such thyroid nodules, it is first important to check their specific size. If there is concern about the presence of a malignant tumor, it is advisable to perform a fine needle aspiration for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. If the thyroid nodule exceeds one centimeter and causes local pain or affects surrounding blood vessels, leading to symptoms of compression, it is recommended that patients should promptly undergo surgical removal for treatment.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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What department should thyroid cancer see?

Firstly, thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the neck area. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the most professional oncology department for diagnosis and treatment when the disease occurs. If thyroid cancer is operable, surgery can be performed by the head and neck surgery department. After surgical treatment, if radiotherapy and chemotherapy are needed, it is still recommended to see an oncologist for treatment and specific therapies. Thus, different departments may be consulted during different stages of the disease, but the primary recommendation is still to seek treatment from the oncology department.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What are the clinical manifestations of thyroid cancer?

For patients with thyroid cancer, the most common clinical manifestation is thyroid nodules, and most patients do not have obvious clinical symptoms, only being incidentally discovered during physical examinations. In rare cases, patients may seek medical attention due to enlarged cervical lymph nodes. As the condition progresses, the neck mass gradually enlarges, becomes firmer, and its mobility decreases during swallowing. In some rapid developments, it may invade surrounding tissues, leading to late-stage symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. When the cervical sympathetic nerve is compressed, it can cause pain in the ears, occipital region, and shoulders. In the case of medullary carcinoma, which can produce serotonin and calcitonin, patients may sometimes experience symptoms such as diarrhea, palpitations, facial flushing, or decreased blood calcium levels.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Can someone with thyroid cancer occasionally eat barbecue?

Patients with thyroid cancer can occasionally eat barbecue, but should limit their intake of such foods. This is because thyroid cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck area, and its exact cause is still unclear. The mechanism of its development is also not clearly understood. However, the high incidence of thyroid cancer is related to certain factors such as radiation, viral infections, or genetic factors, and both iodine deficiency and excess can lead to a high incidence of thyroid cancer. Barbecued foods are not beneficial for the recovery from thyroid cancer, therefore it is clinically advised to reduce intake. However, eating it occasionally does not have a significant impact on the overall health of patients, so it can be consumed in moderation. Additionally, for patients with thyroid cancer, the diet should mainly be easy to digest, non-irritating, and should enhance bodily immune strength.