The thyroid gland, resembling a butterfly in its shape, is located in the front of the neck and performs a very important function – secretes hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, body development and body temperature. In addition, they are involved in the regulation of heart function and digestion, muscle control, brain development and bone health.
Accordingly, if the functioning of this endocrine organ is disrupted, depending on the nature of the malfunction, the functioning of the body is endangered. Self-checking the thyroid gland will help identify suspicious nodules that may be cancerous tumors and begin treatment in time to preserve thyroid function.
Why Do You Need Regular Thyroid Self-Exams
An abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland, which is much more common in women than in men, causes a tumor. Regular examination of this organ will help to identify the presence of suspicious neoplasms, which in some cases may be malignant.
It is important to know that thyroid cancer is actually quite easy to detect and is highly treatable if treated early.
There are 4 types of thyroid cancer:
• papillary (about 80% of cases);
• follicular (about 15% of cases);
• medullary (about 3% of cases);
• anaplastic (about 2% of cases).
Today, the diagnosis of thyroid cancer is not a problem, since modern technical means allow a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis.
Thyroid cancer: risk factors and symptoms
Special attention should be paid to the thyroid test if you are at risk or have noticed possible symptoms of this disease.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms:
• the presence of nodules and seals in the neck (sometimes painful);
• neck pain, sometimes radiating to the ear;
• difficulty swallowing or breathing;
• constant hoarseness;
• cough that is not due to illness or smoking.
Risk Factors:
• female;
• age (most often cancer is diagnosed after 30 years);
• exposure to radiation;
• genetic predisposition (cases of the disease in the family).
How to do a self thyroid test
The first way to self-check the thyroid gland is by palpation, ie. probing. Often, the patient can notice the presence of a unilateral protrusion or induration without the help of a doctor.
Thyroid checks should be done regularly.
For the second self-test method, you will need a well-lit room, a mirror, and a glass of water.
Step 1
Pour some water into a glass and stand in front of a mirror so that your neck is well lit. During the check, it will be necessary to pay attention to the area above the collarbone and below the larynx – about the lower third of the throat.
Step 2
Take a sip of water and tilt your head back slightly, lifting your chin up. Watch your neck as you swallow water. Sometimes, in order to properly examine the thyroid gland, you need to take a few sips of liquid. If the area of the thyroid gland is not symmetrical or a bump protrudes on one side of the thyroid gland during swallowing, see a doctor.
An endocrinologist is in charge of examining and treating the thyroid gland. If the above symptoms are detected or suspicious neoplasms are detected during a self-check of the thyroid gland, estet-portal.com recommends that you immediately contact a doctor who can confirm or refute your concerns.
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