Thyroid cancer ultrasound manifestations

Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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The characteristics of ultrasonography for thyroid cancer include the tumor being a solid hypoechoic mass with unclear boundaries, uneven internal echoes, abundant internal blood flow, and the presence of sandy calcifications and longitudinal growth, among others. Currently, ultrasonography is the preferred method for examining thyroid nodules. It can clearly identify the number, nature, and location of thyroid nodules, as well as whether there are any abnormally enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Ultrasonography is highly accurate in differentiating the nature of thyroid nodules, with experienced ultrasonographers reaching an accuracy rate of over 80%. However, the highest accuracy in differentiating the nature of thyroid nodules is still achieved with fine-needle aspiration cytology.

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Written by Xu Dong Dong

Endocrinology

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Can people with normal thyroid function get thyroid cancer?

Thyroid function and thyroid cancer are not necessarily related. It is possible to have thyroid cancer even when thyroid function is normal. Clinically, thyroid cancer is usually detected by color ultrasound. Clinicians will classify thyroid nodules based on their size, texture, growth direction, presence of blood flow signals, clarity of boundaries, infiltration of surrounding tissues, and enlargement of nearby lymph nodes. Nodules classified as categories one to three generally have a benign tendency, and regular follow-up appointments are sufficient. If the nodules are classified as categories four to five, they are suggestive of malignancy, and it is recommended to perform thyroid fine needle aspiration or surgery to determine the pathological type of the nodules.

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Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

1min 3sec

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Can someone with thyroid cancer occasionally eat barbecue?

Patients with thyroid cancer can occasionally eat barbecue, but should limit their intake of such foods. This is because thyroid cancer is a common malignant tumor in the head and neck area, and its exact cause is still unclear. The mechanism of its development is also not clearly understood. However, the high incidence of thyroid cancer is related to certain factors such as radiation, viral infections, or genetic factors, and both iodine deficiency and excess can lead to a high incidence of thyroid cancer. Barbecued foods are not beneficial for the recovery from thyroid cancer, therefore it is clinically advised to reduce intake. However, eating it occasionally does not have a significant impact on the overall health of patients, so it can be consumed in moderation. Additionally, for patients with thyroid cancer, the diet should mainly be easy to digest, non-irritating, and should enhance bodily immune strength.

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

1min 15sec

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Causes of Thyroid Cancer

Regarding the causes of thyroid cancer, they are similar to most malignant tumors. The etiology of thyroid cancer is currently unclear, but some factors have been found to be associated with the onset of thyroid cancer. The first factor is neck radiation; the thyroid is an endocrine organ that is sensitive to radiation, so radiation exposure may cause carcinogenic changes in thyroid cancer cells. The second factor is genetics; some thyroid cancers have a clear genetic predisposition, the most typical being medullary thyroid cancer, with about 25% of patients showing familial clustering, known as familial medullary thyroid cancer. The third factor is that the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer also has some reasons, with one recognized reason being advancements in early diagnostic methods, allowing for the easy detection of numerous early lesions. The fourth is iodine intake, which has been shown to be related to some benign diseases of the thyroid, but its relationship with thyroid cancer itself needs further study.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo

Oncology

53sec

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Is thyroid cancer without lymph node metastasis considered early stage?

Thyroid cancer, if it has not metastasized to lymph nodes, generally falls under early-stage. Once thyroid cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal is the primary treatment choice. Postoperative treatments vary depending on the different pathological types of thyroid cancer. For the most common type, papillary carcinoma, if the surgery is radically curative, further treatment may not be necessary, and merely supplementing thyroid hormones suffices. In cases such as follicular carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, or medullary carcinoma, even after surgically radical removal, postoperative treatment often requires further radiotherapy or treatment with Iodine-131, depending on the surgical pathology results. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

1min 8sec

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How is thyroid cancer caused?

The causes of thyroid cancer are similar to those of most other malignancies. The etiology of thyroid cancer is not yet clear, but some factors are found to be associated with its occurrence: The first is neck radiation. The thyroid is an endocrine organ, sensitive to radiation. Radiation exposure can potentially cause thyroid cells to become cancerous, especially in those who received high doses of neck radiation in childhood and are more susceptible to thyroid cancer. The second factor is genetics; some thyroid cancers have a clear genetic predisposition, the most typical being medullary thyroid cancer. The third point is that the rapid increase in the incidence rate of thyroid cancer is partly due to the advancement in early diagnostic techniques, allowing for the detection of many early-stage lesions. Of course, iodine intake has already been shown to be related to some benign thyroid conditions. However, its relationship with thyroid cancer requires further study.