Patient's question:
I have thyroid problems and have been taking medication for it. Recently, my thyroid symptoms have worsened again. My throat is very sore, and there is mucus discharge when I cough. There are signs that the tumor mass is shrinking, but I have also been experiencing frequent nausea and vomiting recently. My children are very worried about my condition, fearing it might develop into thyroid cancer, and they keep urging me to be hospitalized for a thorough examination.Doctor's answer:
Generally, thyroid cancer nodules are never smooth in texture. Gently palpate the surface of the nodule with your thumb and index finger. If the surface is smooth, it is likely a goiter. If the surface is rough, there may be a possibility of thyroiditis. If there is a single nodule that is swollen, rough in texture, and feels solid, it should raise suspicion of cancer. The growth rate of thyroid cancer nodules is relatively fast, and swelling becomes noticeable within about ten days. If hard lymph nodes are felt around the thyroid in cases of thyroid cancer, it should be highly suspected as thyroid cancer with local lymph node metastasis. For patients, if the condition of thyroid cancer is severe, timely symptomatic treatment and appropriate medication should be administered.