What is the significance of a second checkup for thyroid cancer six months later

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the thyroid follicular epithelium or parafollicular cells. It is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck. In most cases, the thyroid nodules of patients with this disease have been significantly reduced or disappeared during the second follow-up examination after six months. However, there are a few patients whose tumors grow slowly or whose tumors grow significantly during the follow-up examination. At this time, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the lesion has metastasized.

1. Significance of examination: During the follow-up examination, patients with thyroid cancer can be observed to have obvious structural changes, abundant blood flow signals, and enlarged lymph nodes through ultrasound examination. If necessary, further puncture biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. However, there are a few patients whose tumors grow slowly, and some patients whose tumors have even metastasized to distant places. The second follow-up ultrasound examination cannot confirm the diagnosis. In this case, a comprehensive judgment can be made by combining thyroid function tests and tumor markers;

2. Significance of treatment: Usually, if the thyroid nodules grow more and more during the second reexamination, it means that the drug treatment is not effective and surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be needed. However, if the thyroid nodules are small and there is no distant metastasis, the second reexamination can be used to detect and treat them in time;

3. Notes: In addition to ultrasound examination, you also need to pay attention to thyroid function tests during the review process, mainly to clarify the level and function of thyroid hormones, which also have a certain reference significance for the treatment effect and recurrence rate of thyroid cancer. It is also important to note that thyroid cancer patients should avoid ionizing radiation in their daily lives after treatment, eat less iodized salt, kelp and other foods high in iodine, have a regular work and rest schedule, and avoid staying up late. If you feel unwell or have abnormal conditions, you should go to the hospital in time to avoid delaying the condition;

4. Other precautions: It is recommended that patients control their weight and avoid excessive mood swings. Pay attention to quitting smoking and drinking, and try to choose light and easily digestible food. They can also do some physical exercise appropriately, such as jogging, playing badminton, etc.