Thuy Linh, a 35-year-old woman from An Giang, has been living with thyroid cancer for a year without undergoing surgery. Recently, she has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing due to the growth of her tumor. She is worried that these symptoms could be signs of metastatic disease.
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism and blood pressure. If left untreated or not treated properly, cancer cells can invade nearby structures such as muscles, esophagus, trachea, larynx, and blood vessels in the neck. These cancer cells can also metastasize to lymph nodes and even distant areas like bones, brain, liver, and lungs.
Metastatic thyroid cancer can be challenging to treat due to its aggressive nature. Brain metastases are particularly difficult to manage as they require complex treatments that target both the primary tumor and the affected areas of the brain.
Symptoms of metastatic thyroid cancer vary depending on the affected areas. Bone metastases can lead to bone pain, brittle bones, spinal cord compression, and bone loss. When the cancer spreads to the lungs, it may cause dry coughing