"What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer that has metastasized to the lungs?"
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a malignancy originating from the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland, belonging to the endocrine system. When thyroid cancer metastasizes, various symptoms and signs may appear, including local manifestations such as hoarseness and dyspnea, as well as systemic manifestations like fever and weight loss.
I. Local Manifestations
Hoarseness: If thyroid cancer metastasizes to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it can cause vocal fold paralysis, leading to hoarseness in patients.
Dyspnea: If thyroid cancer metastasizes to the submucosa of the trachea or bronchi, causing compression, it can lead to symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and even risk of asphyxia in severe cases.
Difficulty in swallowing: As the thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, it may be pulled during swallowing, resulting in a feeling of discomfort in swallowing for some patients.
II. Systemic Manifestations
Fever: When thyroid cancer cells invade blood vessels, they may form clots that travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, affecting normal functions and potentially causing fever.
Weight Loss: In the late stages of thyroid cancer, patients may experience gradual weight loss due to loss of appetite and reduced food intake.
In addition to the above common situations, metastasis of thyroid cancer to the lungs may also cause cough, sputum production, and hemoptysis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. For patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer that has already spread to the lungs, surgical resection of the lesion is generally required, combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other comprehensive treatments.
