Does thyroid cancer cause enlarged lymph nodes?

Whether thyroid cancer causes enlarged lymph nodes depends on the type of thyroid cancer. If it is a well-differentiated thyroid cancer such as papillary cancer or follicular cancer, it usually does not cause enlarged lymph nodes. However, if it is an undifferentiated cancer or medullary cancer, it may cause enlarged lymph nodes.

1. Papillary carcinoma: Papillary carcinoma is a common type of thyroid cancer, with a low degree of malignancy and a good prognosis. Since the tumor cells mainly grow in the thyroid tissue, it generally does not cause lymph node enlargement;

2. Follicular carcinoma: Follicular carcinoma is also a common type of thyroid cancer, with a relatively low degree of malignancy and a good prognosis. Since the tumor cells mainly grow in the thyroid follicular epithelium, it will not cause lymph node enlargement;

3. Medullary carcinoma: Medullary carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer, which is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis. Since tumor cells can secrete more bioactive substances, such as calcitonin and 5-hydroxytryptamine, patients may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and palpitations. These bioactive substances can stimulate the body to produce an immune response, thereby causing swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

4. Undifferentiated cancer: Undifferentiated cancer is one of the most malignant types of thyroid cancer, and its prognosis is extremely poor. Since the cell morphology of undifferentiated cancer is quite different from that of normal cells, and there are no specific antigens and antibodies, it cannot be effectively diagnosed clinically. Therefore, the treatment effect of undifferentiated cancer is poor, the patient's survival time is short, and the cervical lymph nodes usually enlarge.

Patients are advised to go to the hospital in time, complete relevant examinations under the guidance of a doctor, and receive targeted treatment as prescribed by the doctor.