How to prevent thyroid cancer, which is called "lazy cancer"? Doctors teach you 5 tips!

In recent years, more and more young people have been frequently diagnosed with thyroid nodules during physical examinations. Why do thyroid diseases occur so frequently? And how can we prevent thyroid cancer? Liu Wei, deputy chief physician of the Radiotherapy Department of Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) , will take you to learn more about thyroid cancer.

1. What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the thyroid follicular epithelium or parafollicular epithelial cells. It is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck. Its types mainly include:

1. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)

The most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 85% to 90% of all thyroid cancers. It grows slowly and has a high cure rate through surgical treatment after early detection.

2. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC)

It is relatively rare, but is prone to distant metastasis, mainly through the blood, often to the lungs and bones.

3. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

It is a type of neuroendocrine tumor, accounting for 1%-2% of thyroid cancer, with a low degree of differentiation and a high degree of malignancy.

4. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC)

The most malignant tumor has the worst prognosis.

2. What are the clinical manifestations of thyroid cancer?

1. Thyroid enlargement or nodules

Papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma usually have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and sometimes patients may seek medical attention due to swollen lymph nodes in the neck. As the disease progresses, the mass gradually increases in size, becomes hard, and may move up and down with swallowing.

2. Hoarseness

The lump that appears in the neck of thyroid cancer patients may cause compression of the vocal cords of thyroid cancer patients, making the vocal cords unable to vibrate normally, resulting in symptoms of hoarseness.

3. Dysphagia

Thyroid cancer patients may experience discomfort as the lump in their neck moves up and down as they swallow.

4. Pain

When the superficial branches of the cervical plexus are invaded, pain in the ears, pillow, shoulders, etc. may occur.

5. Endocrine disorders

Patients with medullary carcinoma may experience carcinoid syndrome, including diarrhea, palpitations, facial flushing, excessive sweating, and hypocalcemia. Patients with a family history may also have endocrine disorders.

3. How to prevent thyroid cancer?

1. Avoid ionizing radiation

Exposure to ionizing radiation is an important factor in inducing thyroid cancer. Staying away from radiation sources can reduce the risk of cancer.

2. Regular thyroid self-examination

It helps to detect abnormal nodules or masses at an early stage and improves the accuracy of diagnosis. It is recommended to perform self-examination at least once a year.

3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, ensuring adequate sleep, exercising appropriately, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.

4. Reasonable intake of iodine

Iodine deficiency may lead to hypothyroidism and increase the risk of thyroid disease. A moderate intake of iodine is good for the thyroid gland, and iodine can be supplemented by eating kelp, seaweed and other foods. However, excessive iodine intake will make thyroid cells active and increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

5. Avoid using estrogen

The occurrence of thyroid cancer may be related to the level of estrogen. Estrogen acts on thyroid cancer cells through estrogen receptors, affecting the growth of thyroid cancer cells and thus leading to thyroid cancer.

Experts advise

Deputy Director Liu Wei reminded: Thyroid cancer is recognized as a "lazy cancer". It is mostly papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma. It has a long course, slow development, mild symptoms and low mortality rate. Therefore, patients with early detection and early treatment usually have a better prognosis. By better understanding this disease and taking effective measures, its incidence and mortality can be effectively reduced.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tang Siqin and Wu Qinjing, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by Wx)