Myths and Facts About Thyroid Cancer

 


The thyroid is a gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism. It secretes T3 and T4 hormones under the influence of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones affect almost every organ in the body and maintain the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Iodine is crucial for the normal function of the thyroid gland. Disorders of the thyroid gland include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), goitre (thyroid swelling), and benign or malignant nodules.

Screening for thyroid problems is important at different stages of life:

  • Newborn babies should be screened for hypothyroidism at birth.

  • Children should be screened if they show signs of poor growth, delayed puberty, inattention, or have other conditions like goitre, vitiligo, or type 1 diabetes mellitus.

  • Adults should consider screening if they experience fatigue, lethargy, feeling cold, unexplained hair loss or weight gain, constipation, infertility, goitre, or have a family history of thyroid issues.

Some myths and facts about the thyroid gland include:

Myth: Hypothyroidism only affects middle-aged women.

  • Fact: Hypothyroidism can affect anyone at any age or gender, including newborns.

Myth: All patients with thyroid problems develop goitre.

  • Fact: Most patients with thyroid issues do not develop goitre, thanks in part to iodine fortification.

Myth: I can't lose weight if I have hypothyroidism.

  • Fact: Weight loss is possible with well-controlled hypothyroidism.

Myth: Once my TSH is normal, I can stop taking levothyroxine tablets.

  • Fact: Most hypothyroid patients need lifelong levothyroxine replacement.

Myth: Hypothyroidism can be managed with diet alone.

  • Fact: Hypothyroidism requires levothyroxine replacement, and diet alone is not enough.

Myth: Vegetables like cabbage can cause goitre.

  • Fact: These vegetables are safe when consumed in moderation, even for those with thyroid issues.

Myth: A lump in the thyroid means cancer.

  • Fact: Most thyroid nodules are benign, and only a small percentage are malignant.

Myth: Thyroid cancer is not curable.

  • Fact: Most thyroid cancers are curable with early detection and treatment.

Myth: Hypothyroidism prevents pregnancy.

  • Fact: With proper control, hypothyroidism does not prevent pregnancy.

Myth: Surgery is necessary for all goitre cases.

  • Fact: Surgery is only required in specific cases, such as when goitre affects swallowing or breathing.

For the best surgical oncologist in Delhi, research qualifications, experience, and patient reviews to find a specialist suitable for thyroid surgeries and comprehensive care.

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