Beware of Cancer Risk in Thyroid Nodules!

VM Medical Park Ankara Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Osman Toktaş made statements about the thyroid nodule, which is more common in women.

Stating that thyroid nodules are defined as abnormal tissue growths that are mostly benign in the thyroid gland, Assoc. Dr. Toktaş said, “However, in some cases, there is a risk of cancer. Thyroid nodules are very common, and at least one nodule can be seen in half of all people by age 60.” used the phrase.

Defining thyroid nodules as abnormal tissue growths in the thyroid gland, which are mostly benign, Assoc. Dr. Toktaş said, “However, in some cases, there is a risk of cancer. Thyroid nodules are quite common, and at least one nodule can be seen in half of all people by the age of 60. It is more common, especially in women.

Shortness of breath may occur

Assoc. Dr. Osman Toktaş listed local and systemic complaints in thyroid nodules as follows:

• Shortness of breath (by pressing on the trachea)
• Difficulty swallowing (pressing on the esophagus)
• Change in voice quality, tired and hoarse voice (pressing on the nerve that stimulates the vocal cords)
• They reduce cerebral blood flow by compressing the neck veins.
• They cause cosmetic problems by causing swelling on the neck.

There are different complaints

Assoc. Dr. Toktaş stated that the systematic complaints about the thyroid gland will vary depending on whether the gland works more or less. Assoc. Dr. Toktaş, complaints that may occur when the gland produces too much hormone; Nervousness, palpitations, dry skin, hair loss, tremors in the hands, inability to gain weight, menstrual cycle irregularities, hot flashes, intestinal motility and diarrhea.

Assoc. Dr. Toktaş, the symptoms that may occur when the gland produces a small amount of hormones; fatigue, early fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression and unhappiness.

Surgical treatment is applied in patients with suspected cancer.

Stating that the diagnosis of thyroid nodules can be easily made by neck ultrasonography and some blood tests, Assoc. Dr. Toktaş said, “Treatment procedures in diagnosed nodules are surgical in nodules that are suspected of cancer and that produce hormones, and the patient needs surgery. In nodules that do not produce hormones, if the nodule is larger than 3 centimeters, if it presses on the trachea, esophagus or nerve in the neck, if it grows into the chest, if it causes cosmetic problems and if there is growth in the follow-ups, surgery is recommended to the patient. Except for some special cases, the thyroid gland is removed completely and patients need to use medication after this surgery.” he said.

A delicate surgery

Assoc. Dr. Toktaş said, “Thyroid surgery is a sensitive operation, it is vital that it is performed in a good center and by a specialist surgeon.” he ended his speech.