Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor originating from thyroid tissue, with an incidence rate that is increasing year by year, especially among women. The disease has no obvious symptoms in its early stages and is often overlooked. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it may invade the trachea, esophagus, or metastasize to distant sites, threatening life. Routine diagnosis relies on ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, and related imaging methods to determine the pathological type and staging, providing the basis for subsequent treatment planning.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Ultrasound examination as the initial screening tool
Thyroid ultrasound is currently the most commonly used primary screening tool. It clearly shows the size, shape, margins, and calcification of nodules. Malignant nodules typically appear hypoechoic, with unclear borders, irregular shapes, and punctate calcifications. The TI-RADS scoring system can stratify nodule risks and guide the need for fine needle aspiration biopsy.

2. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) as the core diagnostic method
FNA is the gold standard for diagnosing thyroid cancer. Under ultrasound guidance, nodules are sampled, and cytological analysis is performed to determine whether the lesion is malignant. FNA is simple, minimally invasive, and suitable for most patients with suspected malignant nodules. Cytological results can be classified using the Bethesda system, providing specific clinical guidance for treatment.

3. Imaging evaluation to assess disease extent
For patients scheduled for surgery or with a confirmed diagnosis, further neck CT or MRI scans are required to assess whether the tumor has invaded adjacent structures such as the trachea, esophagus, or blood vessels. Chest CT is used to check for lung metastases, while bone scans or PET-CT help detect distant metastases, clarify disease staging, and guide treatment planning.

4. Serological tests as auxiliary tools
Although thyroid function tests (such as TSH, FT3, FT4) are not directly used to diagnose cancer, they help assess overall thyroid function. In addition, thyroglobulin (Tg) levels are important for monitoring recurrence in patients with papillary or follicular carcinoma after surgery.

5. Molecular markers and genetic testing to enhance diagnostic accuracy
For nodules with indeterminate cytology, molecular marker tests such as BRAF, RET/PTC, and RAS mutations provide further diagnostic evidence, helping to distinguish between benign and malignant nodules and improving the accuracy of FNA biopsies. These precision diagnostic techniques also support subsequent individualized therapies, including immune reconstitution cell therapy.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind us that early diagnosis of thyroid cancer relies on ultrasound and fine needle aspiration, while combining imaging evaluations and genetic testing can improve diagnostic precision. A multi-modal approach is key to formulating a scientific treatment plan and improving cure rates.