Characteristics of thyroid cancer lymph node enlargement

Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Thyroid cancer is a type of malignant tumor. However, if it is detected early, diagnosed early, and treated early, it generally has a relatively good prognosis compared to other malignant tumors. Once a patient is afflicted with this disease, it is crucial to seek treatment promptly. Without treatment, thyroid cancer can spread to lymph nodes. Initially, the cancerous lymph nodes may invade surrounding blood vessels and nerves, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness. If it compresses the throat area, it can cause discomfort in the throat accompanied by breathing difficulties and coughing while drinking. If the optimal time for treatment is missed, cancer cells can spread, potentially moving not only to the lungs but also to the respiratory system and bones, among other distant sites.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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The Differences between Thyroiditis, Hyperthyroidism, and Thyroid Cancer

Thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer are clinically distinct conditions. Thyroiditis refers to inflammatory changes in the thyroid, either autoimmunity-related, suppurative or due to inflammation. Hyperthyroidism broadly refers to a functional change, which can result from various thyroid changes caused by diseases, including external damage and inflammation, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, these manifestations should not be confused with each other, with the latter more closely related to autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant alteration that also occurs in the thyroid gland but is not closely related to thyroiditis or hyperthyroidism. Generally, thyroid cancer is malignant, while thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism are benign, chronic conditions.

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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 Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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Does hypothyroidism lead to thyroid cancer?

Hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer are two different types of thyroid diseases; hypothyroidism does not cause thyroid cancer, and there is no necessary connection between the two. Hypothyroidism refers to a decrease in thyroid function levels, caused by abnormalities in the secretion and synthesis functions of the thyroid, closely related to disorders of the endocrine system. In contrast, thyroid cancer is a change in tissue nature due to malignant transformation in thyroid tissue cells, it is not related to the thyroid's endocrine functions, and currently, there is no research indicating that hypothyroidism increases the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer. Patients with thyroid diseases should undergo dynamic thyroid ultrasonography and monitoring of thyroid function to further clarify their condition.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Late-stage symptoms of thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer, in its advanced stages, can exhibit noticeable symptoms due to large nodules or invasion of surrounding organs. For example, a massive nodule pressing on the trachea can cause breathing difficulties, including respiratory distress. Compression of the esophagus can lead to swallowing difficulties, and pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve may result in symptoms like hoarseness. Even very few benign thyroid nodules can cause edema and inflammation by compressing these nerves. Therefore, differentiation and distinctive treatment are essential, along with a pathological diagnosis. Medullary thyroid cancer also presents specific symptoms, including persistent diarrhea, endocrine syndromes, and other accompanying conditions such as pheochromocytoma, multiple mucosal neuromas, and symptoms and signs caused by parathyroid adenomas.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What discomforts can thyroid cancer cause in the body?

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.