Thyroid cancer: papillary, medullary - symptoms, diagnosis, how to treat. Thyroid cancer - the first symptoms and manifestations of the disease, treatment and life prognosis for women and men

Nodules and cysts thyroid gland- round neoplasms that develop from the tissues of the thyroid gland, filled with liquid contents. Seals are formed when there is insufficient amount of iodine in the body, which is absorbed by the gland when hormones combine and is replenished by consuming food and liquid.

The reasons for the formation of thyroid nodules are hormonal imbalances in the body, various types of stress, chronic infections and inflammations, neck injuries, poor nutrition. A thyroid cyst is a neoplasm that has a kind of capsule containing a specific fluid, it consists of hormones reproduced by the cells of the organ and is called a colloid.

Features of thyroid formations

The very first stage in diagnosing nodules and cystic neoplasms in the thyroid gland is a sonographic examination - the use of an ultrasound machine. When a single node is identified in the thyroid gland, the next stage of diagnosis will be a fine-needle biopsy. To determine the functioning of the thyroid gland and endocrine system, the patient undergoes laboratory tests, which consist of determining the level of hormones: thyroxine, tyrosine and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Cystic neoplasms in the thyroid gland with a diameter of less than one centimeter are amenable to dynamic observation and are removed when increased growth their sizes. Therapeutic therapy for cysts begins with their emptying using a puncture. A benign cyst of the thyroid gland that does not contain inflammatory processes in case of recurrence, it can be punctured again. For the removal of a benign thyroid cyst, indications will be its increased size, impact on the organs of the neck, and rapid relapses of fluid accumulation after puncture evacuation. In more common cases, when a thyroid cyst is detected, a hemistrumectomy (hemithyroidectomy) is prescribed - excision of only a lobe of the thyroid gland. If a benign nature of the nodes is detected in two lobes of the gland, a subtotal strumectomy of both sides is performed.

Stages of development of thyroid cysts and nodules

The stages of formation of thyroid nodules differ from each other. They differ in the course and stage of development, which is determined by referring to the degree of their echogenicity during ultrasound:

isoechoic homogeneous node - characterized by a density similar to the tissue surrounding the organ, but the edges are characterized by increased blood circulation and the proliferation of a network of blood vessels;
the inechogenic stage is characterized by increased blood circulation and an increase in the network of vessels around the node;
isoechoic heterogeneous node - with this formation, a number of tissue changes are detected in the middle of the capsule of the node. Such changes can be either single and insignificant, or may contain areas of cystic degeneration; in the middle of the node, a small cyst is detected with a certain level of liquid content in it; it can be with small tissue changes or with fairly obvious tissue changes, that is, with areas of cystic degeneration . Isoechogenic heterogeneous nodes are formed as thyroid cells and follicles die;
a non-echoic (hypoechoic) node can only be detected if the healthy tissue of the gland in such a section of the organs is completely deformed, and in the middle of the formed compacted cyst there is a large number of dead cells and liquid substance. Only in this case is it possible to identify a standard thyroid cyst;
hypoanechoic or anechoic node: manifested by the destruction of the tissue of the node, the release of fluid and deformed cells in the cavity, this provokes the formation of a thyroid cyst;
the process of resorption of the substance in the cyst;
stage of scarring of the cyst by the gland.

The formation of a node in stages occurs quite long time, this time directly depends on the diameter of the nodes, the working processes of the immune system, the state of the balancing functions of the thyroid gland and the body as a whole. For a faster scarring process, sclerosis is often used.

Symptoms of thyroid nodules

Quite often, nodular neoplasms in the thyroid gland develop over a long period of time without visible symptoms, without causing any particular manifestations. Nodules are often painless and small enough that they do not cause discomfort or pressure in the neck area. Such nodes are often discovered by chance during a routine inspection.

To the touch, the nodes are defined as smooth and dense formations. Compared to nodes, normal gland tissue consists of a standard consistency. As a rule, during self-examination the patient can feel nodes that are already clearly visible and distort the outline of the neck; such nodules are already more than three centimeters in diameter and cannot be treated conservatively. It is better not to allow this situation to happen.

As the nodular formation increases, which leads to compression in the throat area, various complaints are formed:

sensation of a foreign object and dryness in the throat;
deterioration of swallowing and breathing;
hoarseness or complete loss of voice;
pain in the neck.

Cysts are enlarged and can put pressure on blood vessels. When malignant nodular formations form, the cervical lymph nodes become enlarged.

Autonomous toxic nodes, as a result of their increased activity, lead to the formation of hyperthyroidism with the following symptoms: tachycardia, a feeling of increased heartbeat, flushes of heat waves in the body, agitation, exophthalmos.

A solitary node localized in healthy thyroid tissue is the most suspicious for malignancy, in contrast to other multiple nodes, which often provoke the formation of a diffuse nodular goiter. Malignant nodes are characterized by a rapid increase in size, they have a hard consistency and are mainly accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But still, in the early stages, it is possible to distinguish a benign node from a malignant one by external characteristics quite problematic.

Diagnosis of thyroid nodules

The main diagnostic method remains visualization using an ultrasound machine. Using ultrasound examination it is possible to determine the size of the formation, the structural state of the cyst and healthy tissue in the area. This study has high diagnostic accuracy; it can also be used to carry out differential diagnosis with adenoma, nodular goiter and other diseases.

A cyst biopsy is prescribed in order to find out the type of cyst and exclude the presence of its malignant nature. During the biopsy, a thin needle is used, which is launched into the cyst while being monitored by an ultrasound machine. This procedure is quite simple and is performed using local anesthesia. For the most accurate diagnosis, test samples are taken from two or three areas of the cyst or from different cysts. There are several characteristics for the contents of a cyst obtained as a result of a biopsy: a yellowish, purple or purplish hue of the substance in the cyst indicates an uncomplicated course. Detection of purulent contents in the cyst is characterized by the presence of inflammatory processes. The collected particles of the test subject can be analyzed microscopically to identify cancer cells. A thyroid cyst is characterized by a tumor-like formation of unchanged glandular cells.

Scintigraphy is another method for diagnosing cystic thyroid nodules. The scintigraphy method involves scanning the thyroid gland after consuming radioactive iodine preparations.

The thyroid gland, accumulating radioactive iodine in its tissues, shows nodules of a different nature:

warm nodes that absorb the same amount of radioiodine as non-nodular gland tissue are called functioning nodes;
hot nodes absorb more radioiodine, unlike the surrounding thyroid tissue, they are called autonomously functioning nodes;
cold nodes do not absorb radioactive iodine, the substance is distributed in healthy tissues of the thyroid gland. Cold nodules may be thyroid cancer.

With enlarged forms of nodes or cystic formations thyroid gland, as well as in case of their malignant manifestation, computed tomography is prescribed.

If there is a feeling of compression of the cervical organs, laryngoscopy is performed - examination vocal cords and larynx, as well as bronchoscopy - examination of the trachea.

Magnetic resonance imaging is also used to diagnose thyroid pathologies.

When using X-ray equipment for thyroid nodules and cysts, pneumography of the thyroid gland is used to determine the proliferation of surrounding tissues, as well as angiography to record a violation of the vascular network, fluoroscopy of the esophagus with barium and radiography of the trachea to determine the growth or pressure of the tumor.

Complications of cysts and thyroid nodules

A thyroid cyst is characterized by the occurrence of an inflamed process and purulent contents in it. As the cyst develops, it can cause complications in the form of inflammation, the formation of hemorrhage in the middle of the cyst, and the transformation of the cyst into a malignant tumor.

Against the background of this inflammation, appears painful sensation in the heart area, an increase in body temperature to forty degrees, an increase in size and inflammation of the lymph nodes, as well as general intoxication of the body.

Enlarged thyroid nodules and cysts can cause a sensation of compression of neighboring organs and cervical vessels.

Treatment of thyroid cysts and nodules

A patient with nodular and cystic formations is prescribed a specific treatment, the system of which completely depends on the presence of pathology in the tissues of the organ, its size and the age of the patient.

If several nodes are detected at once, the diameter of which is less than one centimeter, patient management with dynamic observation is prescribed; medical manipulations and the use of medications are not used. Only if a single small node is identified is it possible to observe a doctor, visit an endocrinologist every three months and conduct laboratory tests.

The method of treating a cyst is determined by referring to the size and dynamics of the processes - cysts of increased size, as well as formations that are soon filled with collodion again after puncturing, can only be treated surgically.

Monitoring small cysts

Small cysts after the introduction of a solution of sclerosants into them can be treated in the future using a conservative method - an endocrinologist in this situation may prescribe the use of iodine preparations and thyroid hormones. The patient must also undergo monitoring of the condition every month and once a trimester undergo an examination of the neck organs using an ultrasound machine. To carry out such observations sharp increase levels of hormones or antibodies in the blood will require immediate action. It will be necessary to quickly abandon further therapy and examination of the patient, the effect of which is to prevent the development autoimmune thyroiditis. If, upon examination of the puncture, purulent contents of the thyroid gland or part thereof are revealed, then the use of antibiotics and detoxification therapy will be mandatory as part of the treatment. Also, based on the results of microbiological and bacteriological research The resulting biopsy will require careful selection of drugs.

Surgery

Removal of the cyst will be required if the formation grows rapidly and already exceeds the size of one centimeter, which leads to pressure on the organs of the neck. In such situations, a hemistrumectomy is performed - removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. The function of the gland when using such an operation is mainly preserved. If a cyst is detected in both lobes, a bilateral subtotal strumectomy is prescribed - complete excision of the gland.

If a malignant nature of the formation is detected, a total strumectomy will be required. During the operation, the entire gland is removed along with fatty tissue and lymph nodes. The operation is quite traumatic, but necessary to completely remove cancer cells. The most common consequence of strumectomy is functional impairment vocal cords. After surgery, the patient is required to take thyroid hormones. In addition, calcium supplements must be prescribed, since total resection also removes the parathyroid glands.

In all other cases surgical intervention is a method that allows the patient not to feel all further symptoms of the disease and avoid complications. If the disease is benign, partial resection of the thyroid tissue is performed; this does not affect hormonal levels the patient's body.

Prognosis for thyroid nodules

Depending on the histological structure of the neoplasm, the prognosis for thyroid nodules and cysts will vary from negative to positive. Benign nodes provide good indicators for complete recovery, in contrast to cystic formations, in which recurrent disease and pathological process quite often occur. When a tumor develops a malignant nature, the prognosis is formed referring to the tumor and its metastasis throughout the body. Detection of the disease in the early stages and removal of tumors predict a complete recovery, but with advanced adenocarcinoma, the disease often ends in death. Thyroid cysts can also recur.

The therapeutic course of moderately malignant formations, without cell screening, is often successfully completed.

Prevention of thyroid nodules

To prevent the formation of nodules and cysts, daily consumption of iodine will be required within the age range. physiological norm. The menu will need to include vitamins and foods containing iodine; it is also useful to eat iodized salt. Also an integral part of preventing the formation of thyroid nodules and cysts will be avoiding insolation and avoiding radiation. Physical procedures on the neck area also have a positive effect.

After treatment for a thyroid cyst, follow-up ultrasound scans will be required once a year. Patients with small nodules and cysts of the thyroid gland are required to be registered and undergo dynamic observation by an endocrinologist.

The thyroid gland, as the name suggests, is a kind of shield that protects normal metabolism in the body.

Almost every cell in our body depends on its work. It has been established that pathologies of this organ shorten the patient’s life by 15-20 years.

One of the problems may be a tumor of the thyroid gland. Their timely diagnosis helps prevent not only operational failures internal organs and premature loss of ability to work, but, in some cases, death.

The assignment of thyroid tumors to one or another morphological type is based on the type of cells that begin to multiply uncontrollably.

The existing tumor classification divides all neoplastic processes of an organ into malignant and conditionally benign.

The first of them are presented:

papillary carcinomas (in 75% of cases);
follicular carcinomas (about 15%);
medullary carcinomas (approximately 5-6%);
aplastic form of the tumor (about 3%);
undifferentiated carcinoma (3.5%).

Rare forms of malignant tumors of the thyroid gland are epidermoid (squamous cell) cancer, fibrosarcoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, as well as metastatic forms of cancer, the proportion of which among malignant neoplasms of the organ is no more than 2%.

This is interesting

In the structure of general cancer incidence, thyroid cancer has a modest place - its share ranges from 0.3% to 2% among all malignant tumors. The first peak of incidence is observed from 10 to 20 years, the second - from 45 to 65 years.

At the same time, out of every 100 thousand men in the Russian Federation, only one is diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and for every 100 thousand women there are almost 4 cases of cancer of this organ.

Every year there is an increase in pathology, especially pronounced in territories with increased levels of radiation (Japan, Bryansk, Oryol, Tula, Ryazan regions of the Russian Federation).

The second group includes functionally autonomous neoplasms - adenomas. They account for 44% to 75% of all cases of thyroid nodules. As a rule, adenomas develop between the ages of 45 and 65 and are 4 times more common in women.

These tumors develop from the thyroid epithelium and are covered with a capsule, which gives them the opportunity to grow and function independently. Under certain conditions, adenomas can become malignant, that is, turn into cancer. Depending on the type of forming cells, the following are distinguished:

follicular, trabecular, papillary adenomas (formed by follicular and B-cells of the thyroid gland);
solid adenomas (formed by parafollicular cells).

In addition, rare benign thyroid tumors include hemangiomas, leiomyomas, fibromas and teratomas.

Risk factors for developing thyroid cancer

Research shows that the risk of developing thyroid cancer increases significantly against the background of one or more provoking factors.

Scientific studies have established the presence of one of the risk factors in 85% of cases of follicular and papillary cancer, and in 60% of cases - a combination of several factors.

Iodine deficiency plays a major role in the development of thyroid carcinomas. The compensatory hyperplasia of the organ that occurs in such cases can become irreversible and malignant over time.

In addition, the formation of thyroid cancer is promoted by:

genetic predisposition to diseases of the endocrine organs;
impact on top part body exposure to ionizing radiation (especially in childhood);
chronic inflammatory foci in the thyroid gland (chronic thyroiditis, nodular goiter);
neoplastic diseases of the thyroid gland (adenoma, adenomatosis);
hormonal dysfunctions (especially during lactation, menopause, pregnancy);
chronic inflammation and neoplasms of the genitals and mammary glands.

To the group increased risk also include people whose activities are associated with occupational hazards (working with heavy metals, in hot shops).

In addition, a connection has been established between the development of neoplastic formations of the thyroid gland and mental trauma.

Types of malignant tumors

Follicular tumor of the thyroid gland usually appears in adults aged 55-65 years. The discovered tumor is often mistaken for an adenoma due to its similarity external manifestations. This type of adenocarcinoma is characterized by slow growth, but its course is more malignant in comparison with papillary forms of cancer. Typically, the development of metastases occurs in the lymph nodes of the neck; less commonly, the tumor process spreads to the lungs, bones, and internal organs. The ability of metastases of this type of cancer to absorb iodine to produce iodothyronines is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Papillary thyroid cancer - Doppler study

Papillary cancer It is mainly diagnosed at the age of 30-45 years, however, it can also occur in children. Under a microscope, the tumor resembles papillae (“papilla” in Latin), which determined its name. In 80-90% of cases, this is a unilateral lesion of the gland lobe. There are two clinical forms diseases. In the first option, scanning identifies a single “cold” (not retaining iodine) node. In the second case, malignancy involves a long-existing many nodular goiter, one of the “nodes” of which becomes larger in size and denser in consistency.

The course of papillary cancer in older ages is quite favorable, the process develops at a slow pace, and metastases are observed in only a third of cases. In children and adolescents, metastasis is more active, with cancer spreading to the lymph nodes of the neck and lungs. In general, among patients with papillary cancer, high level survivability. A more serious prognosis occurs in young and elderly patients, as well as with tumor sizes greater than 4 mm.

Metastatic thyroid cancer

Medullary adenocarcinoma It is a solitary tumor of a grayish-yellow hue. The morphological features of this type of neoplasm are amyloid and fibrous deposits, less often - areas of calcifications. Medullary thyroid carcinomas can be hormonally active. In some cases, they produce biologically active substances (serotonin) and hormones, which manifests itself in the clinical picture of Cushing's syndrome. This is very aggressive look cancer, in which regional metastases affect the cervical lymph nodes, and also invade the neck muscles, larynx and trachea. Distant metastasis in the lungs and internal organs is much less common.

A rare form of thyroid cancer - anaplastic, or undifferentiated carcinoma, is often preceded by a perennial diffuse nodular goiter. Due to its tendency to grow rapidly, this type of cancer is extremely unfavorable prognosis for health and life. The disease often occurs in old age; the gland quickly reaches large sizes. Within 6-12 months, death occurs due to the phenomena of compression of the mediastinal organs and suffocation.

Medullary thyroid cancer

An uncommon type of thyroid tumor is lymphoma. This diffuse neoplasm often develops against the background of long-term Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and less often as an independent pathology. It is characterized by rapid growth, pain on palpation and good effect from radiation therapy. In addition to primary types of cancer, the thyroid gland can grow into metastatic foci from other organs - stomach, intestines, breast, lungs.

Among all types of thyroid cancer, papillary and follicular cancer are most often diagnosed. – what is it and how to cure a malignant neoplasm?

We will consider the causes and treatment of thyroid dysfunction.

The following information will be useful for everyone: . How to recognize a thyroid disease in yourself.

Thyroid tumor - symptoms and causes

Clinical manifestations of thyroid cancer make it possible to detect the disease in the initial stages. One of the first symptoms is the detection of a single node, painless when palpated. Less common diffuse increase organ. Unlike goiter or adenoma, carcinomas are more dense in consistency, characterized by rapid growth and pressing sensations in the area of the gland.

In addition, other specific signs of a thyroid tumor are noteworthy:

cough not associated with a cold;
dyspnea;
pain in the neck, sometimes radiating to the ears;
difficulty swallowing;
change in voice timbre to hoarse;
causeless fractures (with follicular cancer);
diarrhea (with medullary carcinoma).

At objective research The doctor discovers enlarged regional lymph nodes in the patient. Thyroid function is usually not impaired. Once the tumor reaches a large size, signs of hypo- or hyperthyroidism may appear (much less frequently).

In some patients, the tumor process develops asymptomatically and the diagnosis of carcinoma is made during the next preventive examination. In some cases of advanced thyroid cancer, the first symptoms may be signs of metastases to internal organs, more often to the bones and lungs, less often to the adrenal glands or brain matter.

The main causes of thyroid cancer are considered to be hormonal effects and ionizing radiation. Important etiological factor development of adenocarcinoma is increased level thyrotropin (TSH) is a pituitary hormone that controls the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland.

Familial medullary carcinoma mainly has genetic reasons and develops among family members.

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is based on clinical manifestations diseases.

Early diagnosis is facilitated by oncological vigilance in patients with diffuse toxic and autoimmune goiter, as well as people living in iodine-deficient areas.

When collecting anamnesis, attention is paid to any episodes of radiation exposure, especially in childhood (including treatment). Family history is equally important.

During a local examination, limited mobility of the gland is determined, within which single or multiple nodes of various sizes are palpated. On palpation, they are dense, with a lumpy surface and fused with the surrounding tissues. A common symptom is enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

The thyroid scintigraphy technique using radioactive iodine makes it possible to detect “cold” nodes, 10% of which, according to statistics, are malignant. In addition, they use:

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland;
MRI and CT examination.

Paraclinical methods for confirming the diagnosis include puncture biopsy of the node. The material taken with a thin needle is examined using a microscope for the presence of pathological cells.

If medullary forms of cancer are suspected, the level of the thyroid hormone calcitonin is determined in the blood. Moreover, modern methods genetic testing make it possible to determine the degree of susceptibility to the disease in family members of a patient with medullary carcinoma.

In the vast majority of cases, patients with thyroid cancer are diagnosed. Fortunately, in almost 90% of cases this disease is successfully treated.

Traditional recipes for treating the thyroid gland are described.

Treatment

The choice of therapeutic technique depends on the type of tumor, the stage of the tumor process and the patient’s condition. Into a modern arsenal effective means Treatments for thyroid cancer include:

surgical intervention (total or subtotal thyroidectomy);
radiation therapy;
radioactive therapy (hormones or radioactive iodine);
chemotherapy.

To obtain the best results, as a rule, two or more methods are combined. If tumor relapses occur and metastasis progresses, external irradiation is indicated. After removal of part of the organ or totalectomy, replacement therapy with thyroid hormones is indicated.

Video on the topic

Thyroid tumor - benign or malignancy, which is formed from thyrocytes or epithelial cells.

Unlike malignant benign tumors They do not give metastases, but their presence also negatively affects the patient’s health. Most often found in older women, average age patients - 50-60 years old.

Causes

Benign and malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland occur under the influence of the following factors:

long-term course of thyroiditis;
female;
elderly age;
iodine deficiency in the body, a small amount of it in the diet;
chronic diseases of the mammary glands and genital organs;
genetic predisposition;
exposure to radiation and x-rays both on the entire body and on the cervical region;
the presence of an adenoma with the ability to malignize;
genetic pathologies (Cowden syndrome, Gardner's disease, hereditary polyposis);
changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy, lactation and menopause.

Tumors of the thyroid organ are most often formed under the influence of several causes.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the activity of the tumor tissue, but there are also general symptoms:

lump on one side. The patient complains that his neck is swollen. Changes in contours in the presence of a tumor larger than 4 cm can be seen with the naked eye;
swelling of soft tissues;
pain in the cervical region that radiates to the ears and temples;
change in voice timbre, the appearance of hoarseness;
problems with breathing and swallowing;
coughing attacks. They are not related to respiratory infections and torment a person constantly. This symptom is especially pronounced at stage 4 of organ cancer, when the tumor metastasizes to the lungs;
sore throat. They intensify when swallowing, the patient feels a lump in the esophagus.

The development of a benign node may be accompanied by hypothyroidism, which has the following symptoms:

increased fatigue;
apathy and drowsiness;
baldness, change in voice timbre;
problems with potency in men;
decreased libido in women;
delayed physical and mental development in children.

Hurthle cell tumor increases the activity of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism that develops has the following symptoms:

increased sweating;
weight loss due to increased appetite;
convulsive syndrome;
menstrual irregularities in women;
irritability, insomnia.

In old age, the disease has more pronounced symptoms, and nodes develop faster.

Types of tumors

K (ICD 10 code - C73) include:

- the most common type of malignant tumor. It looks like a single nodule without clear contours and affects one lobe of the thyroid gland. With timely initiation of treatment, the average 5-year survival rate for papillary carcinoma is high.
— malignant tumor, the cellular structure of which contains elements of glandular tissues that produce the hormone calcitonin. The disease can be suspected if an increased amount of this substance is detected in the blood. Medullary carcinoma is prone to early metastasis. Secondary lesions in the liver, lymphatic system and lungs are often detected at the stage of diagnosis.
Anaplastic carcinoma is a rare cancer. It quickly increases in size and affects surrounding tissues. Metastases penetrate both nearby and distant areas.

Classification of benign formations (ICD 10 code - D34) includes:

A cyst, which is a cavity with a dense capsule and liquid contents. It can occur in any part of the thyroid gland.
Follicular adenoma, formed from epithelial cells. The tumor is benign, has the appearance of a solid nodule, which can merge into a goiter.
Oncocytic adenoma, formed from Hürthle cells. Differs in the ability to malignize.

Diagnostics

Examination of a patient for suspected thyroid nodules includes:

Initial examination. Palpation allows you to detect single or multiple compactions. Malignant nodes are not separated from the surrounding tissues, are inactive, and have a tuberous structure.
Scintigraphy. Allows you to determine the stage of the disease.
Ultrasound. Used to determine the number of nodes. The nature of the tumor cannot be determined using this procedure.
MRI. Allows you to understand whether the node is benign or malignant.
Fine needle biopsy. Collection and subsequent examination of the material is necessary to make a final diagnosis.
Blood test for hormones. Used to evaluate node activity.

Treatment of thyroid tumor

The therapeutic regimen is drawn up depending on the nature and stage of tumor development. This may include:

surgical intervention:
treatment with radioactive iodine;
irradiation;
use of hormonal drugs.

The effectiveness of radioactive iodine therapy is explained by the substance’s ability to destroy glandular cells. The drug accumulates in the thyroid gland, destroying the tumor. For cancer, this method is used after surgery.

Hormonal agents normalize organ functions and prevent further development adenomas or carcinomas.

Operation

Surgery is considered the most effective way to treat nodes. The following types of operations exist:

Laser removal. Used in the presence of small benign formations.
Lobectomy is the excision of one lobe of the thyroid gland. It is used if the tumor has not spread beyond the organ. Hormonal drugs are not always prescribed after such an operation; the remaining tissue continues to function.
Thyroidectomy - complete removal of an organ. Most effective method cancer treatment. After such an intervention, the patient will need lifelong replacement therapy.

Folk remedies

Application herbal preparations increases the effectiveness of treatment, provides beneficial effect for the whole body.

The most commonly used means are:

Potentilla tincture. To prepare it you will need 100 g of crushed rhizomes and 1 liter of vodka. The drug is kept for 3 weeks, after which it is taken 3 times a day, 30 drops, after diluting with boiled water.
Tincture of elecampane. Flowers are placed in a glass bottle, filling it halfway. The remaining volume is filled with alcohol. The product is infused for 2 weeks, used to gargle once a day.
Decoction of walnut partitions. 50 g of raw material is poured into 200 ml of water, boiled for 15 minutes, cooled and filtered. You need to drink 2 tbsp of liquid. l. half an hour before meals.

Complications and consequences

In the early stages, benign tumors do not have life-threatening consequences. However, their further development can disrupt the functioning of the entire organism.

Hormonally active nodes can provoke a thyrotoxic crisis, which, if left untreated, ends in death.

Less favorable prognosis have malignant nodes. The most common complications: metastatic damage to distant tissues; poisoning of the body with tumor decay products; dysfunction of internal organs due to aggressive therapy.

Symptoms of thyroid disease: pain, lump in throat, change in voice, weight

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

Is it necessary to remove benign thyroid nodules?

The thyroid gland is a guardian that protects all vital systems and organs within the body. Even the ancient Greeks called the thyroid gland a shield that controls their functional work due to hormones containing iodine.

The thyroid gland belongs to the endocrine system, which stores iodine and produces iodothyronines, which regulate the growth of certain cells and metabolic processes in them.

If the level of hormones in the blood is not sufficient, a disorder will occur throughout the body:

metabolic processes;
growth, maturation of soft and bone tissues, organs;
energy supply to cells.

Informative video on the topic:

Thyroid cancer

A malignant tumor of the thyroid gland is variable in its structure, although cancer of epithelial forms is more common. Tumors whose malignancy is low are classified as papillary cystadenomas. They have a benign structure, but can recur again and grow into blood vessels.

The average degree of malignancy occurs in developing papillary adenocarcinomas and malignant adenomas. High-grade cancers include intercellular and anaplastic forms of cancer, for example, thyroid sarcoma of various structures, including lymphosarcoma.

Risk factors for thyroid cancer

Cancer can occur with long-standing benign goiter. This can be noticed by the rapid increase in the existing struma, its compaction and tuberosity. Therefore, proliferating cystadenoma, especially papillary cystadenoma, also causes thyroid cancer.

Predisposing factors for the development of thyroid cancer include the presence of:

diseases genitourinary system among women;
diseases of the endocrine system (adenoma), including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in parents, brothers, sisters;
familial polyposis, Gardner or Cowden syndrome,
tumors or dyshormonal diseases of the mammary glands;
occupational hazards: ionizing radiation, working with heavy metals or in hot shops;
altered state associated with hormonal balance during menopause, pregnancy and lactation;
mental trauma.

Symptoms and signs of thyroid cancer

It is difficult to detect thyroid cancer at an early stage; symptoms may be associated with a benign nodule in the thyroid gland. If you feel it, you need to contact an endocrinologist for an examination. Symptoms of thyroid cancer will depend on the type of cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic.

If thyroid cancer is diagnosed, symptoms include:

swelling in the neck, especially when swallowing food or water;
swelling of the veins in the neck;
enlarged cervical lymph nodes against the background of malignant processes in the thyroid gland or other organs. In this case, cancer cells, along with the lymph flow, enter the lymph nodes;
decreased tone of voice (hoarseness), since the thyroid gland is located in front of the larynx, clasping the trachea in front. The voice is created in the larynx, therefore, due to compression of the larynx by a large thyroid node, it is reduced to the point of wheezing;
shortness of breath, feeling foreign body in the throat and difficulty swallowing, since the lump can narrow the lumen of the trachea in front, as well as compress the esophagus, which runs to the side or behind the trachea;
pain in the neck area radiating to the ear area. The cause of the pain must be found out quickly so as not to miss early treatment for cancer or infectious disease throat;
cough not associated with allergic reactions and colds.

When an asymptomatic and progressive nodule appears in the thyroid gland, a malignant neoplasm should be suspected. It can occur at the bottom of one of the lobes of a healthy gland or in its isthmus, further spreading to the second lobe.

Initially, the tumor will have a round and smooth shape and a consistency denser than thyroid tissue. As it grows, it turns into lumpy bump without clear boundaries with dislocation on one or both lobes. When the tumor grows in the opposite direction (posteriorly) through the capsule of the gland, it will compress the trachea and recurrent nerve, which is why hoarseness, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath appear at the slightest physical activity. When the esophagus is compressed, dysphagia occurs - swallowing is impaired. If the tumor process progresses, pathology appears on the neck muscles, tissue and neurovascular bundle. The skin is covered with a dense network of dilated venous vessels.

Classification of thyroid cancer: types and forms of the disease

The classification includes the following forms of thyroid tumors:

epithelial: benign and malignant;
non-epithelial.

The following types of thyroid cancer are registered:

papillary;
follicular;
medullary;
anaplastic;
undifferentiated;
mixed;
Less common are lymphomas, fibrosarcomas, epidermoid, metastatic.

In accordance with the international TNM system, thyroid cancer is classified according to the prevalence of the tumor in the gland and metastases in lymph nodes and organs distant from it.

T - tumor:

T0 - the primary tumor was not detected during surgery;
T1 - largest d=2 cm, the tumor has not spread beyond the boundaries of the gland (does not grow into its capsule);
T2 - tumor with d>2 cm, but< 4 см, не распространена за границы железы;
T3 - tumor with d> 4 cm, not spread beyond the borders of the gland, with d< 4 см прорастает в ее капсулу;
T4 - stage of thyroid cancer is divided into 2 substages:
T4a - a tumor of any size growing through the capsule, into the subcutaneous soft tissues, larynx, trachea, esophagus, recurrent laryngeal nerve;
T4b - tumor growing into the prevertebral fascia, carotid artery, retrosternal vessels.

N - state of lymph nodes:

NX - it is impossible to evaluate metastases in the cervical lymph nodes;
N0 - no regional metastases;
N1 - regional metastases in the lymph nodes were identified: paratracheal, pretracheal, prelaryngeal, lateral cervical, retrosternal.

M - distant metastases:

MX - it is impossible to assess metastasis to distant organs;
M0 - no metastases in distant organs;
M1 - metastases in distant organs have been identified.

There are several types of carcinomas

Lymphoma (diffuse tumor) may be preceded by autoimmune thyroiditis, so it is difficult to differentiate the diagnosis of both diseases. Lymphoma can be an independent, fleeting disease of the thyroid gland that responds well to the use of ionizing radiation therapy.

Diagnosis of thyroid cancer

In the early stages of thyroid cancer, diagnosis comes down to visual identification of a growing tumor in one lobe of the gland against the background of an existing goiter. Its tuberosity and mobility are noted. The patient's complaints about tension in the thyroid gland and a feeling of suffocation are taken into account.

To determine how affected the recurrent nerves are, the larynx and vocal cords are examined using laryngoscopy. If vocal cord paralysis is established, it means that the nerve is involved in the tumor process. Bronchoscopy is also used to examine the trachea and vocal cords.

Additionally, signs of thyroid cancer are examined on ultrasound:

enlargement of the thyroid gland (size);
presence of nodules and tumors (size);
exact location.

To determine the quality of cells, fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used. A thin needle is inserted into the tumor under ultrasound guidance and tissue is removed. If, after examining it, there are still doubts about the correctness of the diagnosis, a suspicious node is diagnosed by an open biopsy: excision of a small area of the tumor and performing a rapid examination.

Determined by enzyme immunoassay venous blood. When elevated levels of specific protein-based chemicals are detected, a certain form cancer. Namely, when increasing:

calcitonin is used in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer;

Important! If an elevated level is determined after treatment, this indicates the presence of distant metastases. It is also taken into account that the hormone can increase in pregnant women and in women taking hormonal hormones. contraception, calcium supplements, in patients with pancreatic disease. The norm for women is 0.07-12.97 ng/ml, for men – 0.68-30.26 ng/ml.

thyroglobulin determines papillary and follicular cancer with the presence of metastases;

Important ! The normal level in the blood of this protein, secreted by thyroid cells, is 1.4-74.0 ng/ml.

The BRAF gene determines papillary cancer, since normally it should be absent altogether;
EGFR determines epidermal growth and the appearance of recurrent tumors, since they are analyzed after tumor removal;
antithyroid antibodies in the blood serum indicates autoimmune disease thyroid gland, i.e. about an erroneous attack of an organ by the immune system in papillary carcinoma;
RET proto-oncogene mutations support medullary carcinoma. The study is carried out on all family members.

Hormone levels are examined to determine the extent of thyroid dysfunction.

Namely:

after treatment, the level (TSH) should not be higher than 0.1 mIU/l. An increase indicates a return of the disease. The hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the development of thyroid cells;
the level of thyroxine (T4) indicates active or passive functioning of the thyroid gland;
the level of triiodothyronine (T3), a biologically active hormone, indicates the quality of the gland;
a high concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a substance produced by the parathyroid glands, indicates metastases of medullary cancer.

Using a radioisotope scan of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine, tumor foci are identified as defects in the accumulation of the isotope and metastases are diagnosed if they accumulate iodine-containing drugs in the absence of the gland itself, which was surgically removed earlier.

The following radiological techniques are used:

pneumography of the thyroid gland, it allows you to determine the degree of germination of surrounding tissues;
angiography, it reveals the degree of disturbances in the vascular network, characteristic of malignant tumors;
X-ray of the trachea;
examination of the esophagus using barium, it establishes pressure and tumor growth.

Stages of thyroid cancer

Classification according to the TNM system is used to determine the stage of thyroid cancer (thyroid tumors) and select a treatment method for further prognosis.

There is stage IV:

Stage 1. The location of the tumor is local, there are no capsule deformation and metastases;
Stage 2 is divided into substages: stage 2a – there is one tumor with deformation of the gland or multiple nodes are identified, metastases and capsule deformation are absent, stage 2b – one tumor is identified, metastatic lymph nodes are unilateral;
Stage 3. A tumor has been identified, the capsule is damaged or there is compression of neighboring organs and tissues with bilateral damage to the lymph nodes;
Stage 4. A tumor has been identified and has invaded neighboring organs and tissues, including distant ones.

For thyroid cancer, stages indicate the size of the tumor, its spread, and metastases near and far from it. That is, the symptoms of thyroid cancer at an early stage are manifested by a tumor up to 1 cm with the absence of metastases, with enlarged or normal regional nodes.

Follicular, medullary and papillary cancer of stage II is characterized by:

primary tumor size up to 4 cm;
absence of metastases both near and distant, lesions of the lymph nodes.

Stage III thyroid cancer (follicular and papillary) is characterized by:

the tumor has different sizes and grows through the thyroid capsule;
there are no distant metastases and enlarged lymph nodes;
There are (less commonly) enlarged regional lymph nodes in the absence of metastases.

Medullary cancer of the III degree is diagnosed if there is a primary tumor of different sizes and regional lymph nodes are affected, but there are no metastases.

Stage IV cancer has the most unfavorable symptoms, which indicates late diagnosis. Distant metastases are already determined without taking into account the size of the tumor and the condition of the lymph nodes. Any cancer can be classified into this grade if undifferentiated cells are found. They divide quickly and lead to early complications oncological process, so the prognosis will be disappointing for patients.

What are metastases and how do you know about their appearance?

If primary thyroid cancer is diagnosed, metastases will form a secondary site of malignancy in the lymph nodes (regional or local) of the lungs, liver or spine.

With papillary thyroid cancer, metastases spread through the lymphogenous route with the formation of secondary foci in the neck, in the trachea and pharynx, and in the neurovascular bundle. Metastases can be partially detected in the area of the lymph nodes: preglottic, peritracheal and cervical.

In follicular thyroid cancer, metastases are spread by the bloodstream. They can be found in the tissues of the lungs, in the inert tissues of the ribs and vertebrae of the thoracic region, as well as the lungs. Then you can recognize them by the appearance of a cough with blood, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and constant fatigue. Infiltrates or secondary foci of cancer form in the lungs different sizes and quantity.

With anaplastic and medullary thyroid cancer, the consequences are much worse, since metastases spread through hematogenous and lymphogenous routes. They are found in organs and lymph nodes. This type of cancer is quite rare, but very aggressive. Metastasis can occur even at an early stage of the disease. The lungs and bones, liver and brain are affected. Metastases take over skeletal system skull, ribs, spine, pelvis and hips. Therefore, you can find out about the appearance of metastases by pain syndromes, frequent pathological fractures. The x-ray shows voids or dark growths.

In the brain, metastases from thyroid cancer manifest as migraine-like headaches that cannot be relieved with painkillers.

Recurrence of thyroid cancer with metastases to the liver provokes jaundice and disrupts digestion. The patient will feel heaviness on the right side under the ribs. Severe cases lead to internal bleeding, which is manifested by bloody stools and vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Metastases in the adrenal glands may not manifest themselves in any way. Only severe damage to these glands will reduce the level of sex hormones and lead to acute adrenal insufficiency. Then the signs of thyroid cancer, the first symptoms of relapse will appear sharp decline pressure and blood clotting disorders.

Treatment methods for thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer includes follicular and papillary types of the disease. Tumors develop from the A-cells of the thyroid gland, which form the walls of the follicles. If cells transform into malignant ones, they can take up iodine and synthesize thyroglobulin from it - a specific protein - a precursor to gland hormones. In this regard, diagnostic and therapeutic methods are based for the treatment of these types of thyroid tumors. Treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer is carried out using radioactive iodine and the level of thyroglobulin in the blood plasma is determined. Controlling the spread of cancer ensures effective and complete cure.

Papillary cancer grows slowly and may not have distant metastases, but it often affects the lymph nodes of the neck. At the first stage, it is performed surgically - thyroidectomy - complete removal of thyroid tissue. In addition, central cervical lymph node dissection is performed - the lymph nodes of the neck in the central zone are removed: transglottic, pretracheal and paratracheal. At the second stage, treatment is carried out with radioactive iodine to patients who have lesions of the lymph nodes, tumor growth through the thyroid capsule and aggressive subtypes of the tumor: tall cell and columnar cell.

For papillary thyroid cancer, a body scan is completed to determine areas of tumor migration. Next, the patient is prescribed replacement therapy using a synthetic analogue of the thyroid hormone thyroxine - L-thyroxine. It completely copies the structure of thyroxine and covers all the necessary needs of the body.

For papillary thyroid cancer, the prognosis after surgery and treatment with radioactive iodine is positive.

Follicular cancer grows slowly, metastasizes late and spreads through blood vessels. Due to distant metastases, the prognosis for recovery is less favorable. When a follicular tumor is detected cytologically, patients undergo surgery. If there is only one tumor, hemithyroidectomy is performed - one lobe is completely removed, and the second (healthy) is left completely intact. The final diagnosis is established after examining the histology results.

If a removed cancerous node is detected, the operation is repeated and the second lobe of the thyroid gland is removed. This happens in 13-15% of cases. If the node is not cancerous, then additional procedures are not performed. After the treatment regimen, as for papillary cancer.

With follicular thyroid cancer, how long they live after surgery is difficult to answer. With distant metastases, the prognosis for recovery is less positive. But in general, effective treatment allows most patients to recover and live a long time.

In Hürthle cell carcinoma, the tumor is formed from B cells of the thyroid gland (Ashkinasi-Hürthle). It tends to metastasize distantly and regionally and has low concentrations of radioactive iodine, making it difficult to treat. Applies, i.e. suppressive to stop the pathological process and reduce the likelihood of developing metastases. Carcinoma is diagnosed and treated like follicular cancer.

How is surgery performed for thyroid cancer?

The preparatory period includes:

diagnosis and detection acute infections or exacerbation of chronic;
consultation with doctors: surgeon, therapist and anesthesiologist.

Postoperative period

In the ward the following is installed for the patient for a day:

bed rest;
drainage from a thin silicone tube into the operation area to remove sputum and ichor.

On the second day, the drainage is removed and the patient is allowed to walk. The patient is discharged 2-3 days after the operation.

Appointed:

radionuclide therapy with iodine-131 (treatment of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine) to ensure the destruction of all malignant cells 4-5 weeks after discharge from the hospital;
treatment with thyroid hormones, which are normally produced by the thyroid gland;
treatment with Levothyroxine (L-Thyroxine) to reduce the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland in order to slow down the stimulation of thyroid cells remaining after surgery and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence;
treatment with mineral supplements containing vitamin D and calcium to normalize organ function and rapid rehabilitation.

Informative video on the topic: Where to turn if they can’t help you at home?

Israeli doctors are achieving impressive results in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Director of the medical service “Doctor in Israel” David Burda, in his interview with Israeli doctor Dr. Avi Hefetz, will discuss the latest methods of treating thyroid tumors in Israel.

Traditional therapy for thyroid cancer

Simultaneously with the treatment prescribed by the doctor, patients are treated for thyroid cancer with folk remedies: decoctions and infusions in agreement with the oncologist. After surgery and during chemotherapy, infusions with herbal poisons cannot be taken.

If it is impossible to perform surgery on a patient due to age, cardiovascular disease or respiratory system, or tumor growth inside vital organs, use traditional methods against thyroid cancer to suppress cancer cells.

Plants with high content iodine and other useful components, therefore decoctions and infusions are made from duckweed, tenacious bedstraw, common chickweed, and common cocklebur.

After the operation apply:

nut tincture from green walnuts: chopped nuts with peel (30 pcs.), pour vodka (0.5 l) and add honey (1 tbsp.). Leave in a dark place for 15-20 days. Drink 1 tbsp on an empty stomach in the morning. l. until the tincture runs out;
infusion of black poplar buds to reduce the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Pour boiling water (1 tbsp) over the kidneys (2 tbsp) and leave under a fur coat for 2 hours. Separate the grounds and take 1 tbsp. l. before meals;
hemlock tincture (poisonous!) can be purchased at a pharmacy and taken according to the following scheme: increase the intake by three drops every day, starting on the first day with 3 drops x 3 times, increase the dose to 75 drops;
tincture of celandine roots: crushed roots are scrolled in a meat grinder and the juice is squeezed out. It is diluted with water (1:1) and left for 15 days in the dark. Take 1 tsp. x 3 times.

Nutrition after thyroid tumor removal

A balanced diet helps rapid recovery after operation. After recovering from anesthesia, do not take liquids for 5 hours. Then you can take small sips mineral water still or fruit juices diluted with water, as much as a sore throat will allow.

On the second and third days, nutrition for thyroid cancer will consist of:

from small portions of thin soups made from cereals: semolina and oatmeal with the addition of a small amount of butter;
puree from lean poultry, fish or beef;
2 soft-boiled eggs;
rosehip decoction and weak tea with milk.

You cannot eat vegetables, dairy products, raw fruits and bread.

On the fourth day you can eat steamed omelet, pureed liquid milk porridge, baked apple, mashed potatoes, pureed soups from cereals with grated vegetables.

After 7-8 days, the diet for thyroid cancer after tumor removal may consist of fermented milk products, grated raw vegetables and fruits (or baked), bread in addition to soups. You can drink cocoa, compotes, rosehip decoction.

Low-fat sea fish and cabbage compensate for the lack of iodine in the body. You cannot adhere to fasting or strict diets, as well as limit your protein intake. Smoking, drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee and strong tea is prohibited.

Prevention of thyroid cancer and recurrences

Prevention of thyroid cancer includes saturating the body with the missing iodine, iodized or sea salt and seafood. It is important to promptly treat thyroid pathology and see an endocrinologist for patients at risk: those with thyroid pathology, those living in areas with iodine deficiency, those who have previously received radiation, or those with a family history of thyroid cancer.

It is necessary to carry out:

after 3 weeks - preventive suppressive TSH therapy with Levothyroxine;
after 6 weeks - scan with iodine - 131 to detect residual thyroid cells in other organs and the neck area and prescribe radioactive iodine to destroy them;
every six months – ultrasound examinations;
every year – body scan;
regular monitoring of the level of thyroglobulin hormone and antibodies to it.

The cause of relapse may be partial resection or enucleation of the tumor node.

In order not to injure the recurrent nerve, clamps should not be applied to the vessels of the gland. A thorough assessment of operational moves must be made, i.e. number, location and consistency of nodes, capsule condition, etc.

To prevent implantation metastases from occurring, it is impossible to macroscopically injure or stitch the altered thyroid tissue. If there is doubt about the absence of malignancy, final intraoperative diagnostics are used and an urgent biopsy is performed.

Prevention of recurrence of thyroid cancer also includes an adequate volume of surgery in areas of regional lymphatic drainage. There is still debate about the benefits of lymphadenectomy in preventing cancer recurrence. But based on experience, many experts believe that it is not advisable to remove non-palpable lymph nodes.

Relapse can occur due to the upper pole of the thyroid gland, where the tumor node has grown into the cartilage of the larynx. If a recurrent node is isolated, the superior laryngeal nerve may be damaged and paresis of the epiglottis may occur, the act of swallowing will be impaired, and pneumonia may occur. Prevention of this complication will be the suppression of the laryngeal muscles in small parts as close as possible to the tumor node. There should be no hemostatic clamps.

Sometimes during surgery, tracheostomies are applied for a defect in the wall of the larynx or trachea, or bilateral paresis of the recurrent nerves. To prevent the wound from festering, the tracheostomy tube is inserted into a separate puncture (incision) in the skin above the operating room. It will be easier to care for the tracheostomy and there will be no wound infection if the incision is the same size as the cannula.

Regional relapses can occur due to cicatricial fusion of metastatic nodes with large vessels. A recurrent tumor may adhere to the wall jugular vein. When conducting repeated operations it is important to isolate elements of the neurovascular bundle in tissues that have not yet been changed. But you need to make sure that the common carotid artery can be separated from the tumor. When planning an operation for large relapses, it is necessary to plan preventive plastic surgery of the vessels and trachea, if the recurrent node has managed to grow into it.

Often, during the operation of primary thyroid cancer, the surgeon sees that the primary tumor grows to the trachea and leaves tumor tissue in it, which destroys the tracheal wall and causes relapse. Therefore, now during surgery the recurrent tumor and surrounding tissues are removed, since radiation treatment may not help.

Survival prognosis for thyroid cancer

How thyroid cancer progresses and how long patients live depends on the stage, shape of the tumor, how quickly it grows and metastasizes. With early treatment, the prognosis can be positive.

How long do people live with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer? It's difficult to answer. But when using modern methods treatment, hormone therapy, radiation therapy together with physical and chemical techniques can prolong the life of patients and save good quality life.

Informative video

A thyroid tumor is a malignant disease of the cells of the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease among malignant diseases of the endocrine system. This disease is more common among women than among men. The incidence rate in women is several times higher than in men.

When palpated, a healthy gland has a smooth, elastic consistency; no inclusions or knots should be palpable. The thyroid gland is characterized by a follicular structure. The follicular system has three types of cells. A papillary and follicular tumor develops from follicular cells, and a medullary structure develops from perifollicular cells.

Causes of thyroid cancer:

The number of causes of tumor development is not fully known. Most likely there are a lot of them, but doctors still don’t know about many of them. But there are several predisposing factors that stand out:

Lack of iodine. Scientific studies have shown that poor iodine intake potentiates the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland. Excess thyroid-stimulating hormone leads to changes in the cellular structure of the thyroid gland.
Ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is very sensitive to the effects of radiation. No one knows how long a person can be exposed to ionizing radiation without harm to health. Also, no one knows how much is the permissible dose. It is assumed that the higher the dose, the higher the likelihood of a tumor process. The most dangerous exposure is in childhood, as well as for pregnant women. In childhood, tumors can arise even from small doses of ionizing radiation. If a child was irradiated in childhood, the risk of developing a neoplasm remains forever.
Genetic predisposition. More often, women can develop so-called familial medullary thyroid cancer. Knowing this, relatives of patients with medullary thyroid cancer should be periodically examined using ultrasound diagnostics, and the calcitonin content in the blood serum should be determined. Follicular thyroid tumor is less dependent on genetic predisposition.
Nodular goiter. Many people say that nodular goiter is a precancerous condition. However, scientists prove that only a third of people with goiter develop cancer. More often, of course, in women.

At-risk groups

Oncologists identify risk groups of people who should be examined more often and more periodically than others. This is especially true for women.

Patients with goiter or thyroid adenoma
People who have been exposed to ionizing radiation
Relatives of patients with medullary cancer

These people need to be wary, since the prognosis for them is most likely to get sick. They should know the symptoms of thyroid cancer in order to suspect they have this disease in time. They should also know how many times a year they should go ultrasound diagnostics thyroid glands Doctors recommend doing this once a year. If any symptoms occur, you need to consult a doctor and undergo an unscheduled diagnosis.

Histological types of cancer and prognosis

Classification of thyroid cancer

TNM classification.

T – indicator of the primary tumor. Depending on the size of the tumor, they are designated from T1 to T4 (T4 if the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues and is divided into T4a and T4b)

N – characterizes metastases to regional lymph nodes. If N0, it means there are no metastases. N1a – metastases on the affected side. N1b – metastases on the opposite side of the lesion or on both sides.

M – distant metastases. 0 – no metastases. 1 – there are metastases.

There is also another classification, but the TNM classification is officially used.

Symptoms of a thyroid tumor

In the initial stage of thyroid cancer, there are practically no symptoms. People often live and do not know about cancer, and when it is detected, they cannot say how much time has passed since its onset. The main symptom is the appearance of a nodular formation in the gland. Symptoms of cancer when palpating the gland: dense consistency, uneven edges, painlessness when palpated. The surface of the tumor can be bumpy or smooth. Large tumors that appear on the back surface of the gland can compress neighboring organs or grow into them. Then the following symptoms appear: the voice becomes hoarse, pain and difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath appear. Symptoms of intoxication (weight loss, severe weakness, loss of appetite) are rare and can occur only in advanced cases.

Particular symptoms of medullary cancer are manifested by diarrhea and dehydration, caused by the influence of factors produced by the tumor (calcitonin, serotonin and others).

Hidden form - distant nodes cannot be palpated, especially if they small size. In such situations, the first sign of cancer may be metastases to the lymph nodes.

Since the symptoms of thyroid cancer are poor, there are alarming symptoms. If at least one of them occurs, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland and other studies.

Alarming symptoms:

nodular formation that appears in the gland
if the goiter begins to change in consistency or growth
enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or a feeling of pressure in the thyroid gland.

Before starting treatment, you need to make a diagnosis. Diagnostic minimum:

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland
X-rays of light
needle biopsy of the thyroid gland or lymph node

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland allows you to determine whether there is a nodular formation. X-ray of the lungs allows you to determine metastases. A puncture of the gland or lymph node differentiates the tumor.

Video on the topic

Treatment

Thyroid cancer can be completely cured only with the help of surgery. Radiation treatment, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are used as symptomatic treatment or in addition to surgery.

Surgery. Only surgery will help only with follicular and papillary cancer in the early stages. In later stages and for medullary cancer, surgery and radiation treatment are used. Treatment with chemotherapy drugs is poorly tolerated by patients and provides only temporary improvement. Hormone treatment is used after surgery as a replacement treatment. Since the thyroid gland or part of it is removed, thyroid hormones are produced in small quantities. Therefore, a person is forced to take hormones in tablets all his life. If you detect thyroid cancer in time, have surgery, undergo radiation treatment, and then take hormones constantly, you don’t have to worry, these people will live a long time.

Treatment with folk remedies is under no circumstances permissible. Using all sorts of folk remedies will not only not help yourself, but can make things even worse. Folk remedies no disease can be cured, especially tumor formations, as this will lead to adverse consequences as well as predictions.

Video on the topic