"Does Thyroid Cancer Often Not Absorb Iodine?"
The occurrence of thyroid cancer is closely related to iodine intake, as well as the type of thyroid cancer, lesion location, and the presence of distant metastasis. Therefore, it cannot be simply stated whether a lack or excess of iodine intake leads to thyroid cancer. However, long-term iodine deficiency in patients may contribute to the development of thyroid cancer, and excessive iodine intake can also lead to its occurrence.
I. Lack of Iodine Intake:
Thyroid cancer is often caused by factors such as ionizing radiation and genetics. If a patient is constantly exposed to ionizing radiation, the radiation may damage the thyroid gland, thereby predisposing them to thyroid cancer. Additionally, if there is a family history of thyroid cancer, individuals from such families are also at an increased risk of developing the disease.
II. Excessive Iodine Intake:
If a patient's thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid carcinoma, a highly malignant tumor, and they do not suffer from iodine deficiency, excessive intake of iodine can stimulate the thyroid gland to continuously synthesize thyroxine, as thyroxine is primarily stored in the thyroid gland. This may lead to the development of thyroid cancer, although this scenario is relatively rare. It is recommended that patients undergo regular physical examinations to monitor their health status and facilitate early detection and treatment of any abnormalities. If a patient is diagnosed with thyroid cancer, they should consult with a general surgeon and undergo tests such as blood tests and ultrasounds to determine the specific condition, which may require surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.