Thyroid cancer cells spread to other organs in the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Early detection and timely treatment improve disease control and enhance patient prognosis.

Common sites of thyroid cancer metastasis include cervical lymph nodes, lungs, and bones. Cervical lymph nodes are the earliest and most common site of metastasis because cancer cells easily spread to this area through lymphatic flow from the thyroid. As the disease progresses, cancer cells can spread further through the bloodstream to other organs such as the liver or brain.

Symptoms of metastatic thyroid cancer often include a lump or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain. As the disease advances or treatment affects thyroid function, patients may experience fatigue, weight loss, and dry skin due to metabolic disturbances.

When thyroid cancer spreads to other organs, symptoms vary depending on the site of metastasis.

Metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes often causes large, hard, immobile swollen lymph nodes, accompanied by hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, coughing, or fatigue due to the tumor and lymph nodes compressing surrounding structures.

When cancer cells metastasize to the lungs, patients may experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss due to lung parenchymal damage.

Bone metastasis causes bone pain, limb aches, and increased susceptibility to fractures. At this stage, the disease is often advanced, treatment is more complex, and quality of life is diminished.

Less common cases involve thyroid cancer metastasizing to the liver or brain. Liver metastasis can cause abdominal pain, jaundice, and yellow eyes; brain metastasis can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, motor or consciousness disturbances, and is a challenging condition to treat.

To treat thyroid cancer, doctors typically recommend surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Depending on the cancer type, disease stage, and recurrence risk, patients may receive adjuvant treatment such as radioactive iodine, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

After treatment, patients require regular follow-up to detect early recurrence or metastasis. Commonly used methods include neck ultrasound, CT scans, radioactive iodine scans, or PET/CT in cases requiring evaluation of distant metastatic lesions.

Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle to support recovery and reduce the risk of disease progression. A diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, and lean protein; limiting red meat and processed foods, combined with adequate sleep, appropriate exercise, and stress management, helps improve overall health.

Anh Chi (According to WebMD, Very Well Health)