A 58-year-old woman named Ms. Tho discovered a hard mass in her neck, but since she had no unusual symptoms, she initially thought it was a benign tumor. After six months of no change, Ms. Tho went for a check-up and found out the tumor was malignant. The thyroid nodule was 5 mm in size in the isthmus of the gland, with high cancer potential.
Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Hang from Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explained that the tumor was a papillary thyroid carcinoma with a cancer rate of up to 90%. Ms. Tho underwent surgery to remove her entire thyroid gland, and the procedure was successful. She recovered quickly and continued to receive treatment to prevent recurrence.
Thyroid nodules are common in the benign isthmus area, but some can develop into cancer. Most thyroid nodules are discovered during routine examinations and are usually less than 1 cm in size. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of recurrence and complications.
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine system cancer and can spread to nearby structures if left untreated. Several risk factors for thyroid cancer include radiation exposure, genetics, and dietary factors. To reduce the risk of disease, doctors recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Regular health check-ups and genetic testing can also help in detecting thyroid cancer early by following these recommendations individuals can reduce their risk of developing thyroid cancer and improve their overall health.
Ms Tho’s story highlights the importance of regular health check-ups as well as following up on any unusual findings from those check-ups even if there are no symptoms present at first glance.
It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of any changes in their bodies or any suspicious findings they may have during routine examinations so they can get prompt attention if necessary.
Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers should be scheduled to monitor any potential changes or concerns regarding thyroid function.
