If a thyroid nodule grows, will it definitely develop into cancer? Many people’s answers are wrong

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. It is located in the front of the neck and looks like a butterfly. It mainly secretes thyroid hormones. The main function of thyroid hormones is to promote material and energy metabolism, promote body growth and development, and regulate the functions of various organ systems in the body. Because it has so many functions, once the thyroid gland becomes abnormal, it will endanger various tissues and organs of the body.

Nowadays, the incidence of thyroid diseases is increasing, and many young people often suffer from thyroid diseases under stress.

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There are many rumors about thyroid disease on the Internet, such as: if a thyroid nodule grows, it will definitely develop into cancer? Do they have to be removed? ... These rumors often cause us unnecessary anxiety and are not conducive to the treatment and recovery of thyroid disease.

Science Rumors Debunking has specially compiled the 5 most common misconceptions and answered them one by one.

"Big neck disease" is hyperthyroidism

Is hyperthyroidism the same as “big neck disease”?

Analysis: In fact, "big neck disease" and hyperthyroidism are not the same disease. The so-called "big neck" is just a symptom and may have different causes.

"Big neck disease" is usually caused by iodine deficiency, which leads to thyroid secretion disorders and causes swelling. Specifically, when the human body is iodine deficient, the thyroid gland will proliferate, producing more thyroid tissue to synthesize more thyroxine, causing neck swelling. It is usually caused by iodine deficiency, which leads to thyroid secretion disorders. This situation is common in plateau mountainous areas far from the sea, so it is also called endemic goiter. With the popularization of iodized salt, the incidence of this disease has dropped significantly.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, characterized by painless, diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Therefore, we cannot simply assume that goiter ≠ hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid nodule = thyroid cancer?

The truth: This statement is too absolute. Thyroid nodules are a common disease. Among adults in China, the prevalence of thyroid nodules larger than 0.5 cm found by ultrasound examination is as high as 20.43%, but only 8% to 16% of them are malignant tumors.

The "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (Second Edition)" recommends screening for thyroid cancer in the following situations:

Exposure to radiation to the head and neck during childhood, history of whole-body radiation therapy, family history of thyroid cancer in first-degree relatives, and family or personal history of genetic syndromes associated with thyroid cancer.

Ultrasound examination is the first choice for all patients with known or suspected thyroid nodules. Most benign thyroid nodules only require regular follow-up and no special treatment. The guidelines do not recommend ultrasound screening for thyroid nodules in the general population who are not at high risk.

Thyroid cancer is a “lazy cancer”, so there is no need to worry?

The truth: This statement is too absolute and may delay treatment for some patients. Thyroid cancer is commonly known as "lazy cancer", which means that thyroid cancer is less malignant in most cases, does not cause obvious pain, and is difficult to detect. Most patients are diagnosed with thyroid abnormalities during routine physical examinations at the hospital. Moreover, many patients can live with tumors for several years without any symptoms. Many thyroid cancer patients have no obvious symptoms and the disease progresses slowly. Timely detection and intervention have a good prognosis and survival rate.

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It should be noted that not all thyroid cancers are "lazy". Terminally differentiated thyroid cancer develops faster. Therefore, thyroid cancer should not be taken lightly. If you have thyroid cancer, you must first determine the pathological type and then conduct further treatment based on the type.

Discovery of thyroid nodules

Do I need to have my thyroid removed?

The truth: Many people feel a lot of psychological pressure after they find thyroid nodules during physical examinations. They worry that the thyroid nodules may become malignant and ask doctors to remove their thyroid glands. However, this is not appropriate.

Not all thyroid nodules need to be removed, and in most cases they do not harm health. It mainly depends on the size, growth pattern, functional status, and pathological nature of the nodules.

Clinically, after a thyroid nodule is discovered, the doctor will first conduct an assessment and determine the diagnosis and treatment plan. If it is malignant, surgery will be performed; if it is benign, regular follow-up and dynamic monitoring will be performed.

The reason for being cautious is that the thyroid gland is an important endocrine organ in the human body and cannot be removed casually:

1

Loss of thyroid gland leads to hypothyroidism

After surgery to remove the thyroid gland, the patient may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism and need to take medication long-term to maintain it;

2

Surgery may damage nerves and blood vessels

There are many important nerves distributed around the thyroid gland, especially the recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve that innervate the vocal cords. During surgery, in order to completely remove the lesion, they may be injured, resulting in hoarseness, loss of voice, and choking when eating;

3

Hypocalcemia may occur after surgery

If the parathyroid gland is damaged during surgery, the hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland will be insufficient, which will cause a decrease in blood calcium in the body, manifesting as numbness in the hands, feet or face, and even convulsions in severe cases. In addition, it will cause osteoporosis over time.

Just eat less iodine-containing foods

Can thyroid disease be prevented?

The truth: Iodine is an essential raw material for synthesizing thyroid hormones. However, the relationship between iodine intake and thyroid disease presents a U-shaped curve, that is, too much or too little iodine intake can easily cause thyroid disease, so just follow the recommended dosage.

In addition to paying attention to iodine intake, the following points should be taken to prevent thyroid disease:

1. Regular screening: high-risk groups should regularly complete thyroid function and thyroid color Doppler ultrasound examinations;

2. Avoid contact with radioactive substances: To prevent thyroid disease, you need to reduce exposure to radioactive substances. If it is not necessary for a doctor's diagnosis or a routine physical examination, there is no need to undergo additional radioactive examinations;

3. Adjust your mentality: learn to control your emotions, relax appropriately and relieve stress;

4. Healthy diet: In addition to quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, ensure a diverse diet, including enough vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality protein to ensure adequate nutritional intake;

5. Regular work and rest schedule: Pay attention to rest, avoid overwork, staying up late, etc.;

6. Keep exercising: Regular exercise can enhance physical fitness and improve immunity;

To sum up, to protect the health of the thyroid gland and ensure its normal functioning, it is necessary to develop good living habits, eat a balanced diet, consume an appropriate amount of iodine, and have regular thyroid examinations. Timely detection and timely treatment can effectively reduce the incidence of thyroid disease.

Planning and production

Author: Hu Zhongdong, deputy chief physician, registered nutritionist, health manager, and Healthy China Action speaker

Review丨Zhang Yu, researcher/PhD, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, national health science expert

Editor: Ding Zong

Proofread by Xu Lailinlin

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