Nuclear radiation can cause thyroid cancer
On March 11, the tsunami and nuclear power plant leak caused by the 9.0 magnitude in Japan caused the concern of the whole world. Among the malignant tumors caused by nuclear radiation, thyroid cancer, leukemia, malignant lymphoma and skin cancer are the most common. The radioactive iodine released in this nuclear leak is very harmful to the human thyroid gland. However, according to the announcement of our National Nuclear Safety Administration at 16:00 on March 17, our environment has not yet been affected by this nuclear leak from Fukushima, Japan, and the monitoring data from all provinces are within the background level of nuclear radiation in the region without any elevation, so there is no need for the public to panic.
(Emphasis) Nuclear radiation children’s thyroid gland is most vulnerable to “injury”
Radioactive iodine has a significant effect on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland needs iodine, so it naturally absorbs radioactive iodine, which can cause cancer, and the risk decreases with the age of radiation exposure, i.e. the risk is higher in young children than in adults. Among the clinical findings, the high risk factor for thyroid cancer is the exposure to radioactivity in early childhood, and children are especially vulnerable.
Data show that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant caused the development of thyroid cancer in 6,000 children.
(Characteristics) High prevalence of thyroid cancer in women
Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs mostly in young and middle-aged people, accounting for about 1% of all cancers. The average age of onset is 40 years old, and the incidence is more frequent in women, with the incidence in women being more than three times that of men. This is mainly related to female hormones, and estrogen can affect the growth of the thyroid gland.
The occurrence of thyroid cancer is also related to iodine intake. Thyroid cancer is not only more frequent in iodine-deficient areas, but also in coastal areas with high iodine content. The occurrence of thyroid cancer is also influenced by family factors and bad emotions.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer, namely papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma, of which papillary carcinoma accounts for the highest proportion, generally 60~80%.
(Confirmation of diagnosis) Ultrasound examination is more accurate
The clinical manifestation of thyroid cancer is usually an asymptomatic pre-cervical lump, which can be found accidentally or during physical examination. The lump may coexist with multiple thyroid nodules, and in a few patients, the lump has existed for many years and only recently increased in size rapidly. Some patients have no discomfort for a long period of time and only become aware of it at a later stage when cervical lymph node metastasis, hoarseness, breathing disorder, and difficulty in swallowing occur.
As with other malignant tumors, the key to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer is early and accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment. At present, the conventional and preferred diagnostic methods for thyroid cancer at home and abroad are B-ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology examination, which are economical and easy to use.
(Treatment) Iodine 131 causes and cures disease
The radioactive contaminant iodine 131 can cause changes in the metabolism of thyroid cells and affect the synthesis of thyroxine. It can also cause abnormal division of thyroid cells, leading to cancer. The minimum latency period for thyroid cancer caused by radiation is 4 years, while the maximum is up to 40 years, with most developing in 4 to 10 years.
Once cancer is detected in the thyroid gland, it must be treated scientifically, standardized and reasonably after careful and adequate preoperative examination and evaluation. Currently, the best treatment method recognized at home and abroad is: total or near-total thyroidectomy + radioactive iodine 131 therapy + thyroid hormone suppression therapy. Strictly standardized surgery can completely remove the thyroid tumor. The Department of Otolaryngology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, after several generations of experts’ bold exploration, has carefully summarized and researched a high standard, precise and meticulous total thyroidectomy with appropriate cervical lymph node removal, which has very low postoperative complications and is expected to achieve a survival rate of more than 20~30 years.
(Reminder) Thyroid swelling is not necessarily a tumor
”Fear of cancer” is more frightening
Nowadays, some people go to the hospital to check their thyroid gland as soon as they find a lump in their neck out of panic and because they know little about medical knowledge. Others are always worried about the lump becoming cancerous and ask for thyroid removal, or even ask to remove both sides of the thyroid gland.
In fact, even if a lump is found in the thyroid gland, do not blindly assume that it is a malignant tumor and must be treated surgically, after all, the thyroid gland is a very important endocrine organ of the human body. Most of the thyroid nodules are benign, and regular follow-up can be done after hospital checkups.
(Prevention) Avoid head and neck X-ray exposure during childhood
As thyroid cancer is related to bad emotions, it is important to keep your mind happy, deal with stress in a good way, combine work and rest, and avoid overwork. Avoid eating nutritious food and fresh vegetables, avoiding fatty, dry and spicy food, and avoiding estrogen, as it can promote the development of thyroid cancer.
Family history of thyroid cancer should be examined regularly. In particular, avoid head and neck x-ray exposure during childhood. The thyroid gland should be actively treated in hospital for hyperplastic diseases and benign and malignant tumors.