The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that plays a vital role in regulating the body's metabolism. Thyroid cancer can develop when cells in this gland grow abnormally.

Associate Professor Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital, says thyroid cancer often progresses slowly with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Most patients are diagnosed incidentally through neck ultrasounds or when they feel an unusual lump. The disease is divided into 4 main types, with papillary thyroid cancer accounting for approximately 80-90%. This type progresses slowly and responds well to treatment. Other types, such as follicular, medullary, and anaplastic, are less common but often have a poorer prognosis.

Identified risk factors include a family history of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease, exposure to radiation, especially at a young age, hormonal disorders or multiple thyroid nodules. Women are 3 times more likely to develop the disease than men.

"Approximately 70% of cases have no identifiable cause. Therefore, regular screening is the most effective way to detect the disease early," said Associate Professor Phuong.

In its early stages, thyroid cancer is often asymptomatic. As the tumor grows, patients may experience symptoms such as a hard, movable lump in the neck; hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the neck; or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Many people dismiss swollen lymph nodes as insignificant, but they can be a sign of metastasis. If you notice any abnormalities, seek medical attention promptly for a timely diagnosis.

Thyroid cancer has a good prognosis if detected and treated early. *Illustrative photo provided by the hospital*

Thyroid cancer has a good prognosis if detected and treated early. Treatment options depend on the histopathological type, stage of the disease, and individual patient characteristics. Currently, there are 4 main treatment methods: surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland and any metastatic lymph nodes; I-131 (radioactive iodine) therapy to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery, effective even with distant metastasis; hormone therapy to replace thyroid hormones and prevent recurrence; and targeted therapy and immunotherapy for cases resistant to I-131.

With small papillary thyroid cancers, the 10-year survival rate is over 95%. Even when the disease has metastasized, I-131 remains significantly effective. "It is crucial for patients to adhere to treatment and follow up with their doctors as scheduled," said Associate Professor Phuong.

While thyroid cancer cannot be entirely prevented, individuals can proactively reduce their risk by: Avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation; consuming sufficient iodine through their diet (seafood, seaweed, kelp, eggs, and dairy products), while avoiding excessive iodine salt intake; maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly; and managing weight to avoid being overweight or obese.

Regular health check-ups are especially crucial for individuals with risk factors, such as a family history of thyroid cancer or women with pre-existing thyroid conditions.

Le Nga