Compared with the familiar "big parts" of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys
The thyroid gland can be a "little thing"
However, this "little thing" is very important
Can thyroid nodules turn into cancer?
How often getting angry can affect thyroid health?
Let's get to know ↓
01
Is your thyroid healthy?
1 action self-test
The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland in the body
Common thyroid disorders include:
Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Thyroid inflammation, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, etc
How can I tell if I have a thyroid nodule?
According to the doctor, you can look in the mirror
Place your thumb on the left side of your trachea
The index, middle, and ring fingers are pressed against the right side of the trachea
Do swallowing motions
If you feel a lump in your neck
Move up and down with the swallowing motion
Then there may be a thyroid nodule
02
Are thyroid nodules necessarily cancerous?
Thyroid nodules are common
Adults
The prevalence of thyroid nodules is more than 20%.
But most thyroid nodules are benign
It doesn't have to be cancerous
Malignant thyroid nodules
↓ The following characteristics may apply↓
01
nodules with irregular morphology and unclear borders;
02
nodules are sandy or calcified;
03
The echo within the nodule is uneven, with hypoechoic or very hypoechoic;
04
The nodules grow vertically with an aspect ratio greater than 1;
05
The nodule is immobile and difficult to move;
06
A C-TIRADS grade of 4 or higher requires further investigation.
The doctor reminds that a benign nodule is detected
It doesn't mean there are no risks
↓The following conditions require prompt treatment↓
- The size of the nodule affects the appearance of the neck, or the thought is too heavy, affecting life and work;
- presence of local compression symptoms clearly associated with the nodule, such as dyspnea, swallowing;
- Progressive growth of nodules, clinical consideration of malignant transformation tendency or high-risk factors for thyroid cancer;
- The mass is located retrosternal or in the mediastinum;
- Combined with hyperthyroidism and other medical treatments are ineffective, thyroid autonomic hyperfunctional adenoma, etc.
03
These symptoms appear
May be an early warning sign of thyroid cancer
The latest cancer report from mainland China shows
In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing year by year
It has become the 7th most common cancer in mainland China
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer that suggest to you?
A lump in the neck
Thyroid cancer is not obvious in the early stages, and patients often seek medical attention because of painless lumps or nodules in the neck.
Hoarseness
As thyroid cancer progresses, symptoms such as hoarseness and neck and throat pain may occur.
Swollen lymph nodes
Cervical lymph node metastasis is the main metastasis mode of thyroid cancer, and metastasis can occur at an early stage, with the central area being the most common area, followed by the lateral cervical area.
Difficulty breathing and even coughing up blood
Since the thyroid gland is next to the trachea, if thyroid cancer invades the trachea, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing may occur after an enlarged thyroid tumor compresses the esophagus. Solid foods, such as bread and meat, are mostly difficult to swallow, and ordinary liquids are not affected.
Intractable diarrhea
People with medullary thyroid cancer have chronic diarrhea that lasts for months or years and increases the frequency of bowel movements each day.
When thyroid cancer metastasizes
A range of symptoms from other systems may also occur
Such as headaches, vision loss, coughs
Chest pain, abdominal pain, jaundice, bone pain, etc
04
What to do if a thyroid nodule is found?
Doctor's Reminder: Don't Operate Blindly!
Doctors recommend that the average adult be checked once a year
Thyroid function and thyroid ultrasound
People with a family history of thyroid disease
It is recommended to shorten it to once every 6 months
There is no need to panic when a thyroid nodule is found
Observation should be the main thing first
Blind surgery can cause unnecessary damage to the thyroid gland
In addition, the doctor reminded
When all people are exposed to X-rays
It is necessary to pay attention to the standard wearing of radiation protective gear
This is especially true for people who have their teeth straightened
X-rays are frequent
The mouth is close to the thyroid gland
Precautions should be strengthened
05
Protects the thyroid gland
Here are a few things you need to know
01Avoid overwork and get angry
Overwork and stress
Negative emotions such as anger, depression, anxiety, etc
May disrupt the nervous and endocrine systems
Causes immune dysfunction
Causes the thyroid gland to be attacked by the immune system
Remember to be in a good mood
02Keep away from ionizing radiation
The thyroid gland is in the human body
Organs that are sensitive to ionizing radiation
Possible exposure to ionizing radiation should be minimized
03Moderate intake of iodized salt
Except for people with special requirements
It is best to consume iodized salt for the general population
Do not consume more than 5 grams of salt per person per day
04Regular thyroid function checks
- After the age of 35, especially women, thyroid function tests and thyroid color ultrasound can be done regularly;
- Thyroid function tests must be performed in pregnant women;
- Before trying to conceive, it is recommended that women be screened for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and other related indicators.
Also, try to stay away from life as much as possible
Environmental "toxins" such as heavy metals and pesticides
Avoid estrogen abuse
Be wary of estrogen-containing cosmetics and health products
Actively exercise to improve the body's immunity
Source: CCTV 1
Editor: Li Bingqian
Editor-in-charge: Gao Qin
*Please indicate the source of the reprint from "Shanghai Changning"