Individuals with a family history of genetic syndromes, iodine deficiency, or obesity may be at higher risk for thyroid cancer. This malignant tumor develops in the thyroid gland and is more common in women than men. According to the Global Cancer Organization, thyroid cancer is one of the 10 most common types of cancer in Vietnam, with about 6,120 new cases and over 850 deaths reported in 2022.
Dr. Tran Huu Thanh Tung from the Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that early detection of thyroid cancer can lead to a good prognosis and high cure rate. Regular screening for high-risk individuals can help detect any abnormalities early on and reduce complications. If an individual has high-risk factors or suspicious symptoms, they should undergo regular thyroid screenings, including ultrasound to detect any potential issues with the thyroid gland. If a tumor is detected, a biopsy can confirm whether it is cancerous or benign.
Factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer include radiation exposure from various sources, family history of thyroid cancer, genetic syndromes, goiter, thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, obesity and other conditions like these can lead to late stage symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing and voice changes as well as neck swelling when the cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body symptoms may include fatigue loss of appetite weight loss nausea vomiting. It’s important for individuals with high-risk factors or suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and undergo screening early to detect and treat thyroid cancer promptly.
If detected early on, individuals who have been exposed to radiation or have a family history of genetic syndromes should consider screening for thyroid cancer regularly. This includes undergoing regular check-ups with endocrinologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders.
It’s important for individuals who are concerned about their risk for thyroid cancer to discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider before taking any action on their own. They should also be aware that not everyone with high-risk factors will develop this disease but taking proactive measures like regular screenings can greatly increase their chances of catching it early if they do develop it.
In summary, people who have been exposed to radiation or have a family history of genetic syndromes should consider screening for thyroid cancer regularly. Early detection can lead to a good prognosis and high cure rate while reducing complications associated with late stage symptoms like difficulty breathing/swallowing and voice changes as well as neck swelling when metastasis occurs which makes it important for individuals with high-risk factors or suspicious symptoms to seek medical attention promptly
