Thuy Linh, a 35-year-old from An Giang, has been living with thyroid cancer for the past year without undergoing surgery. Instead, she opted for traditional medicine to manage her condition. Recently, however, she began experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, which led her to question whether these symptoms could be a sign of metastatic disease.
The thyroid gland is a vital organ that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and other bodily functions. When left untreated or improperly treated, thyroid cancer cells can spread beyond the gland to invade surrounding muscles and organs. Metastatic thyroid cancer occurs when cancer cells travel to other parts of the body and start growing in those areas. This can lead to decreased treatment effectiveness and worsened symptoms.
Symptoms of metastatic thyroid cancer depend on the location of spread. For example, bone metastases may cause brittle bones, spinal cord compression, bone pain, and bone loss. Lung metastases may cause dry coughing, breathing difficulties, and coughing up blood. Liver metastases may manifest as abdominal pain, weight loss, irritability, and fatigue.
However, some patients with thyroid cancer may not exhibit any signs of metastasis. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation to determine the size and extent of the tumor for developing an appropriate treatment plan. Early-stage thyroid cancer offers promising 5-year survival rates exceeding 90%, indicating potential for cure.
Diagnostic tests like ultrasound, PET scan MRI scan chest X-ray may be recommended to evaluate the extent of cancer spread. Treatment options for metastatic thyroid cancer include surgery to remove affected lobes or lymph nodes supportive treatments like radioactive iodine interventions like chemotherapy radiotherapy immunotherapy for distant metastasis cases.
In conclusion managing metastatic thyroid cancer effectively requires consulting a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment approach.
