Is thyroid cancer really cancer?

Whether thyroid cancer is cancer needs to be judged based on the pathological type of thyroid cancer, which includes papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

1. Papillary thyroid carcinoma: It is the most common thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80% of all thyroid cancers, followed by follicular carcinoma, which accounts for 10% of thyroid cancers. Papillary thyroid carcinoma occurs at a younger age, has a lower degree of malignancy, less distant metastasis, and a better prognosis. 16%-20% of patients under 20 years old may have cervical lymph node metastasis, while 40%-50% of patients over 40 years old may have lung metastasis. Tumors less than 10 mm in size are rare;

2. Follicular thyroid cancer: It accounts for about 10% of thyroid cancer, followed by medullary thyroid cancer, and rare types include anaplastic cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer grows slowly, with no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage. Only when the tumor diameter is more than 10mm will there be signs of invasion of surrounding tissues, such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, etc.

3. Medullary thyroid cancer: This is a common type, accounting for about 10% of thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer can grow rapidly in a short period of time, metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, facial flushing, and abdominal pain. Surgery is the main treatment method;

4. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This is the most malignant thyroid cancer. It develops rapidly, is prone to recurrence after surgery, and has a poor prognosis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows rapidly, and lymph node metastasis can occur in the early stage, and may also be accompanied by distant metastasis. The surgical treatment effect is poor, and the prognosis is poor.

When patients develop thyroid tumors, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for a complete examination such as B-ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc. to confirm the diagnosis. If thyroid cancer is confirmed, it is recommended to undergo surgical resection as soon as possible under the guidance of a doctor.