THYROID CANCER IS EASILY MISSED

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the middle of the neck, consisting of two lobes connected by the isthmus, with the function of secreting hormones to help the body grow and develop. Thyroid cancer is one of the common diseases in the head, face, and neck in both men and women, commonly in women from the age of 15. The rate of thyroid cancer is increasing, more common in families with a history of this disease, using X-ray radiation on the head and neck or a low iodine diet.

Normal thyroid and thyroid cancer

In the early stages, the disease often does not cause symptoms. You can detect the disease during a health check and thyroid ultrasound test at a specialized medical facility.

If you feel a lump or lymph node in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing,... it could be a symptom of thyroid cancer.

When a goiter is detected, you need regular ultrasound monitoring even if it is a benign goiter and the doctor will perform a fine needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance (FNA) as soon as there is any change in the morphology of the thyroid gland.

Biopsy samples are sent to Dai Phuoc Pathology-Cytology Center with modern equipment, the results will be read by leading Pathology experts - Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy will analyze under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells or not. This is the gold standard to help distinguish benign and malignant thyroid tumors.

Thyroid biopsy under ultrasound

Thyroid disease can be cured if detected early. However, many people with the disease are not diagnosed early.

Surgery to remove the part of the thyroid gland containing the tumor or to remove the entire thyroid gland and lymph nodes if there are signs of widespread cancer depends mainly on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the age and health of the patient. Radioactive iodine, post-operative hormone therapy, external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.

After treatment, patients will have follow-up check-ups every 3 months for the first 2 years, and once a year for the following years to check for recurrence with the Oncology Hospital specialist. If you have the above symptoms, you should have a check-up as soon as possible.