Thyroid cancer usually metastasizes in a few years

The metastasis time of thyroid cancer is related to the severity of the disease. If it is treated promptly in the early stage, it may be cured and metastasis generally will not occur. If the disease develops to the middle stage, after active treatment, metastasis may occur in about 10 years. For patients in the late stage, metastasis may occur in half a year to a year.

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor in the endocrine system, which mainly originates from the thyroid follicular epithelium. Active medical treatment is required after the onset of the disease. For early patients, the symptoms are not obvious, and total/near thyroidectomy can be used for treatment. Surgical removal of the tumor may result in a cure, and it generally does not metastasize to other parts of the body. As the disease progresses, the patient enters the mid-stage of thyroid cancer, and symptoms such as goiter and difficulty swallowing may occur. If the patient is in good physical condition, surgical treatment can be considered. Postoperative radionuclide therapy can control the spread and development of the cancer, and metastasis may not occur until about 10 years later.

Patients with terminally differentiated thyroid cancer or whose disease is not well controlled are prone to pain, breathing difficulties, etc. The cancer may spread rapidly within six months to a year, and they may even face death at any time. In this case, the best time for treatment has been missed, and external beam radiation therapy should be considered, while strengthening nursing care.

It is recommended that patients receive lifelong follow-up after surgery to observe changes in the function of the neck, lungs, and thyroid gland. If any abnormality occurs, they should seek medical treatment in a timely manner. In addition, they should maintain a good attitude, cooperate with the doctor's treatment, and arrange their daily diet reasonably.