What are the causes and symptoms of thyroid tumors?

Generally, thyroid tumors may be caused by genetic factors, abnormal iodine intake, radiation exposure, thyroid nodules, chronic thyroiditis, and other factors. These may be accompanied by symptoms such as neck masses, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, and pain. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Causes

1. Genetic Factors

Certain specific genetic mutations may lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, thus promoting tumor formation. Surgical removal may be performed under a doctor's guidance. This involves removing the tumor tissue within the thyroid gland along with potentially affected surrounding thyroid tissue via surgical operation to treat the thyroid tumor.

2. Abnormal Iodine Intake

Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid enlargement and increase the risk of tumors. It is recommended to adjust iodine intake; iodine deficiency in certain regions can be supplemented through iodized salt consumption.

3. Radiation Exposure

Radiation can damage the DNA of thyroid cells, leading to abnormal cell proliferation and eventually tumor formation. As the tumor enlarges, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and hoarseness may appear. Radioactive iodine therapy may be conducted under medical guidance. This treatment involves oral administration of radioactive isotope iodine-131, which emits beta rays to destroy thyroid cells.

4. Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodule hyperplasia may be caused by environmental and endocrine factors. When abnormal proliferation and accumulation of cells within the nodule reach a certain level, a tumor may form and compress surrounding tissues, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, or hoarseness. Medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and Prunella vulgaris tablets may be used for treatment under medical guidance.

5. Chronic Thyroiditis

Chronic thyroiditis may be associated with insufficient selenium intake and cellular immunity. Long-term thyroid inflammation may lead to thyroid cell damage and abnormal proliferation, thereby increasing the risk of tumors, including symptoms such as thyroid enlargement, pain, and fever. It is recommended to follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, and methylprednisolone tablets.

II. Symptoms

1. Neck Masses

The thyroid gland is located in the anterior neck region. When a tumor develops within the thyroid, a palpable mass forms in the neck, which moves upward and downward with swallowing.

2. Hoarseness

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is an important nerve controlling vocal cord movement. When a thyroid tumor enlarges and compresses or invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it can affect normal vocal cord movement, resulting in hoarseness.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

The esophagus is adjacent to the thyroid gland. When a thyroid tumor increases in size to a certain extent, it can compress the esophagus, causing discomfort or difficulty during swallowing.

4. Breathing Difficulties

The trachea is an important airway located behind the thyroid gland. When a thyroid tumor enlarges and compresses the trachea, it can interfere with normal gas exchange, leading to breathing difficulties.

5. Pain

The cervical plexus nerves transmit pain signals from the neck and surrounding areas. When a thyroid tumor invades the cervical plexus nerves, it can cause inflammatory responses or nerve compression, resulting in pain.

In daily life, attention should be paid to balanced nutrition in the diet, ensuring adequate intake of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Mild forms of exercise are recommended, avoiding excessive fatigue and strenuous activity that could burden the body.