Can occasional smoking and drinking be okay with thyroid cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on November 27, 2024
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Thyroid cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck area, and currently, the exact mechanism and etiological causes of thyroid cancer are not clearly defined in the clinic. However, some research studies indicate that there are certain factors associated with the incidence of thyroid cancer. For example, ionizing radiation, prolonged exposure can lead to the occurrence of thyroid cancer. Both insufficient and excessive iodine intake can lead to a high incidence of thyroid cancer. Genetic factors also play a significant role in the development of thyroid cancer. Excessive smoking and drinking can promote the occurrence of thyroid cancer. Therefore, heavy smoking and drinking are not recommended, but occasional smoking and drinking do not significantly impact the condition of thyroid cancer and are deemed acceptable. Moreover, for patients with thyroid cancer, treatment is primarily surgical, as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not very sensitive anti-tumor treatments.

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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 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.

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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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How is thyroid cancer caused?

The causes of thyroid cancer are similar to those of most other malignancies. The etiology of thyroid cancer is not yet clear, but some factors are found to be associated with its occurrence: The first is neck radiation. The thyroid is an endocrine organ, sensitive to radiation. Radiation exposure can potentially cause thyroid cells to become cancerous, especially in those who received high doses of neck radiation in childhood and are more susceptible to thyroid cancer. The second factor is genetics; some thyroid cancers have a clear genetic predisposition, the most typical being medullary thyroid cancer. The third point is that the rapid increase in the incidence rate of thyroid cancer is partly due to the advancement in early diagnostic techniques, allowing for the detection of many early-stage lesions. Of course, iodine intake has already been shown to be related to some benign thyroid conditions. However, its relationship with thyroid cancer requires further study.