The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased 4.6 times in 10 years, and the survival rate of early detection exceeds 90%. Pay attention to 4 types of symptoms!

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased 4.6 times in 10 years, with an average annual growth rate of 20.1%, of which female patients under 35 years old account for more than 40%. Why did this butterfly-shaped endocrine organ change from a "human engine" to a health time bomb?

• Thyroid cancer: really "gentle" or "gentle trap"?

Thyroid cancer is called the "gentlest cancer", and this statement stems from its characteristics of hidden early symptoms and high cure rate. Data show that the 5-year survival rate of differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma) exceeds 90%, which is much higher than common malignant tumors such as lung cancer and gastric cancer. However, this "gentle" label makes many people relax their vigilance and even delay treatment.

The truth is: thyroid cancer is not "harmless"!

1. Risk of local invasion and metastasis: Although differentiated thyroid cancer has a good prognosis, about 1/3 of patients may still experience recurrence or metastasis. Especially for advanced or undifferentiated cancer (extremely malignant), the survival rate drops sharply to 7%-10 months.
2. Hidden dangers of treatment complications: Surgery may damage key tissues such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands, leading to problems such as hoarseness and hypocalcemia. Comprehensive treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also bring long-term side effects.
3. Trend of younger age: Data show that women over 35 years old are the "high-risk group" for thyroid cancer, which is closely related to hormone fluctuations, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles.

The "gentleness" of thyroid cancer is based on early detection and standardized treatment. Once symptoms are ignored or treatment is delayed, its harm is no less than that of other malignant tumors!

• "Signal lights" of thyroid cancer: Know these symptoms early

There are often no obvious symptoms in the early stages of thyroid cancer, but as the disease progresses, the body will send out a "help signal." The following 4 key symptoms require special vigilance:

1. Neck mass: silent "alarm"

Most patients discover painless masses during physical examinations or accidental touch of the neck. The mass is hard, has unclear boundaries, and grows rapidly in a short period of time, which may be a sign of cancer.

2. Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If the tumor compresses the esophagus or trachea, symptoms such as a foreign body sensation behind the sternum when swallowing, difficulty eating, or shortness of breath and wheezing may occur.

3. Hoarseness: recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement

When thyroid cancer invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it will cause vocal cord paralysis, manifested as persistent hoarseness, especially transient hoarseness (sudden hoarseness) should be highly suspected.

4. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Thyroid cancer is prone to metastasize to the lymph nodes in the neck, manifested as painless, progressive enlargement of lymph nodes, hard texture and poor mobility.

Tips:

The "hiddenness" of thyroid cancer requires us to be vigilant - even if thyroid nodules are found during physical examination, do not easily believe that they are "benign". Regular review and accurate evaluation are the key!

For people over 40 years old, it is recommended to include neck ultrasound in routine physical examinations to "catch" early cancer.

• "High-risk factors" for thyroid cancer: Have you been infected?

The pathogenesis of thyroid cancer is complex, but the following high-risk factors have been confirmed by medicine and need to be paid attention to:

1. History of radiation exposure

People who have received neck radiotherapy (such as treatment of thyroid disease or head and neck tumors) in childhood or adolescence have a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer.

2. Abnormal iodine intake

Excessive iodine intake (such as long-term consumption of kelp and seaweed) or too little (such as iodine-deficient areas) may induce thyroid disease, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.

3. Genetic factors

People with a family history of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid cancer need to be vigilant about hereditary tumor syndrome (such as multiple endocrine adenomatous neoplasia).

4. Unhealthy lifestyle

Long-term staying up late, mental stress, lack of exercise, obesity, etc. are all associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. In addition, habits such as smoking and alcoholism can also indirectly increase the probability of disease.

5. Hormone level fluctuations

Abnormal levels of female hormones (such as estrogen) may affect thyroid function, especially menopausal women need to pay attention to endocrine changes.

• "Four steps" to diagnosis: from suspicion to precision attack

1. Ultrasound: the first "scout"

• Keywords: low echo, microcalcification, unclear boundaries, aspect ratio>1 (TI-RADS 4 or above need to be vigilant).
• New technology: elastic imaging can determine the hardness of the mass, the higher the hardness, the greater the risk of malignancy.

2. Puncture biopsy: the gold standard

• Process: Extract cells with a fine needle under ultrasound guidance, the pain is similar to an injection.
• Breakthrough: Genetic testing can analyze BRAF mutations in puncture samples, with an accuracy rate of 95%.

3. Enhanced CT: See the "crime scene" clearly

• Function: Show whether the tumor invades the trachea and esophagus, and evaluate the difficulty of surgery.

4. Whole body scan: Find the "fugitive"

• Applicable population: Those suspected of metastasis, use radioactive iodine imaging to track the traces of cancer cells.

• "Therapeutic arsenal" of thyroid cancer

The treatment of thyroid cancer needs to be formulated according to the pathological type, stage and individual patient conditions. The following are the main treatment methods:

1. Surgical treatment: the first choice

• Partial thyroidectomy: Suitable for patients with early, unilateral small tumors and no lymph node metastasis.
• Total or subtotal thyroidectomy: Suitable for patients with large tumors, bilateral lesions or metastases. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is required after surgery.

2. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI)

• Using the ability of thyroid cancer cells to absorb iodine, oral radioactive iodine-131 is taken to destroy residual cancer cells. Applicable to residual or metastatic lesions after differentiated thyroid cancer surgery.

3. Radiofrequency ablation: a minimally innovative option

• Using ultrasound guidance, the ablation needle is inserted into the tumor tissue, and heat energy is used to destroy cancer cells. It is suitable for patients with microcancer (<1cm) and no metastasis, with less trauma and faster recovery.

4. Targeted and immunotherapy

• For advanced or radioactive iodine-refractory thyroid cancer, targeted drugs (such as sorafenib, lenvatinib) or immune checkpoint inhibitors can be used to inhibit tumor growth.

5. Endocrine therapy

• After surgery, thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine sodium tablets) need to be taken for a long time to inhibit the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and reduce the risk of recurrence.

• "Prevention Guide" for Thyroid Cancer: Protect Health from the Source

1. Regular physical examination: early screening and early treatment

• People over 20 years old: undergo a thyroid ultrasound examination once a year.
• High-risk groups (those with family history, radiation history, and abnormal iodine intake): review every 6 months.

2. Scientific diet: balanced iodine intake

• Supplement iodine in moderation: the daily iodine intake of normal people is about 150μg (such as iodized salt and kelp).
• Avoid excessive intake: people with abnormal thyroid function need to adjust iodine intake according to doctor's advice.

3. Healthy life: reduce risks

• Regular work and rest: avoid staying up late and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep.
• De-stressing exercise: 3-5 times a week aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking and swimming) to relieve stress.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: reduce stimulation to the endocrine system.

4. Be alert to environmental risks

• Stay away from radiation: avoid unnecessary neck X-ray examinations, and pregnant women need special protection.
• Reduce pollution exposure: avoid long-term exposure to heavy metals, pesticides and other harmful substances.

Life Guide for Patients with Thyroid Cancer

1. Dietary Recommendations

• High protein, low fat: eat more fish, soy products, lean meat, and reduce red meat and processed foods.
• Antioxidant foods: blueberries, carrots, broccoli, etc. are rich in vitamins C and E, which help to remove free radicals.
• Avoid irritating foods: spicy, smoked, and alcohol may aggravate throat discomfort.

2. Postoperative care

• Monitor thyroid function: regularly check TSH and thyroglobulin, and adjust hormone doses.
• Pay attention to complications: such as hoarseness, numbness of hands and feet (hypocalcemia), and seek medical treatment in time.

3. Psychological adjustment

• Positive attitude: Thyroid cancer has a high cure rate, and staying optimistic helps recovery.
• Join a patient group: communicate with people with similar experiences to gain more support and experience.
• The "gentleness" of thyroid cancer is not absolute, but is based on scientific cognition and standardized treatment. The 5-year survival rate of early detection exceeds 90%, and even in the late stage, multidisciplinary treatment can significantly prolong life.

Remember: early detection, early treatment, and early recovery are the best strategies to defeat thyroid cancer!