Emotions, stress...West China doctors remind you: The invisible killer is destroying your thyroid gland!

Every physical examination is like opening a blind box in reverse

Only when the data is mediocre can you breathe a sigh of relief

If there is a red dot in any item, I will panic instantly.

Among them, "thyroid nodules" is a disease with a high detection rate in recent years. It is a big stone in the hearts of many people: Oh no, do I have cancer! ?

In our country, nearly 1/3 of the people have thyroid nodules !

But in fact, 90%-95% of thyroid nodules are benign and only require regular observation ; less than 10% actually require clinical intervention .

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Next, let’s have a good show——

First of all, you should know that the thyroid gland is a very important organ in the human body. It is a small gland located at the base of the neck, just above the breastbone .

Although the gland is small, it has many functions!

The thyroid gland controls the rate at which energy is used, manufactures proteins, and regulates the sensitivity of many of the body's systems to other hormones ;

It affects children's intelligence, growth and development , as well as adults' metabolism .

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A thyroid nodule is a solid or fluid-filled lump in the thyroid gland caused by abnormal growth of thyroid cells .

Nodules can occur in people of all ages, generally more often in women than in men .

The detection rate by clinical palpation is 3%~7% , and the prevalence by ultrasound examination is 20%~76% .

1

Thyroid disease itself

Overgrowth of thyroid tissue, thyroid cysts, chronic thyroid inflammation, thyroid cancer, etc.

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2

Autoimmune factors

Autoimmune disorders can easily cause thyroid nodules.

3

Excessive stress and bad living habits

Now with the improvement of living standards, the pressure of life is increasing.

Many people are in a state of tension, high pressure, depression, and fatigue for a long time. Coupled with bad living habits , such as eating takeout, staying up late, smoking, drinking, obesity , etc., these can lead to endocrine abnormalities and induce thyroid nodules.

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4

Improper iodine intake

Iodine is an important raw material for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Excessive or insufficient iodine intake can lead to thyroid disease .

5

Exposure to radioactive materials

Exposure to radioactive substances is also one of the causes of thyroid nodules.

6

Family history

Thyroid disease has a certain familial hereditary tendency.

Most thyroid nodules have no signs or symptoms , but when the nodules grow to a certain size, they can be felt or seen, such as swelling or bulge at the base of the neck.

In some cases, thyroid nodules can also cause weight loss, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, tension and anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, fatigue, weakness, constipation, etc.

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Of course, there is no need to be too scared, as only a few thyroid nodules will turn into cancer!

From a professional perspective, thyroid nodules can be divided into 5 types according to their causes :

① Thyroid inflammatory nodules

② Nodular thyroid nodules

③ Cystic lesions of the thyroid gland

④ Thyroid adenoma

⑤ Malignant thyroid tumor

Except for the last one which is a malignant lesion, also known as "cancer", the first four are mostly benign lesions .

After discovering nodules, some patients become overly nervous and seek medical treatment everywhere, taking random doctors and taking random medicines, which not only delays treatment but may also cause other problems.

Doctors at West China Hospital remind that not all nodules require surgery, but once a thyroid nodule is found, it must be taken seriously .

It is very important to see a specialist and have further tests such as ultrasound to assess whether the nodule is malignant or benign, and then have your thyroid function checked .

After the examination, follow the doctor's advice on whether to treat or observe.

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In short, don't be afraid to seek medical treatment or rush to seek medical treatment, which will delay the diagnosis and treatment of the disease!

About Thyroid

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Statement: This article is a medical-related educational popular science article. It does not involve specific treatment methods or medical behaviors and cannot replace hospital visits.

Experts collaborating on this article

References

1.Lai X, et al. Detection rate of thyroid nodules in routine health check-up and its influencing factors: a 10-year survey of 309 576 cases. 40,268–273(2020).

Content Production

Editor: Yang Yali

Map: Eastern Zhou Dynasty