the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors

Q: the Progression Rate of Malignant Thyroid Tumors

Hello, online friend： The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type. <br>If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative t

Thyroid malignant tumor progression time?

Hello, doctor.
Last month during a health check at the clinic, I discovered a tumor on my thyroid, so I was referred to National Taiwan University Hospital for an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed it to be a malignant tumor.
The doctor recommended surgery.
However, the doctor at NTU Hospital mentioned that they are very busy, and the surgery is scheduled for mid-October, which is still three months away.
After thinking about it at home, I am very worried and wonder if the condition could worsen to an irreversible state during these three months.
I would like to ask the doctor, in clinical practice, how quickly do these types of malignant thyroid tumors typically progress? Should I consider switching to another hospital for an earlier surgery? Thank you very much, doctor.

Miss Zhang, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/21

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

Hello, online friend: The prognosis and progression rate of thyroid cancer are quite complex and related to the histological type.
If it is well-differentiated, the deterioration and progression tend to be slower; however, if it is poorly differentiated or of a degenerative type, there is a possibility of developing local and distant metastases in a short period.
Therefore, I recommend discussing this further with your attending physician, or you may consider transferring to another hospital for surgery.
:)

Reply Date: 2016/07/21

More Info

When it comes to malignant thyroid tumors, understanding the progression rate is crucial for patients facing a diagnosis. Thyroid cancer can vary significantly in terms of its aggressiveness, and the rate at which it progresses can depend on several factors, including the type of cancer, the patient's age, and overall health.

Thyroid cancer is generally categorized into several types, with the most common being papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Among these, papillary thyroid carcinoma is known for its relatively slow growth and excellent prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 90% in many cases. In contrast, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is highly aggressive, often leading to rapid progression and a poor prognosis, with a median survival of less than a year.

In your case, if you have been diagnosed with a malignant thyroid tumor and are facing a wait for surgery, it is understandable to feel anxious about the potential for the tumor to worsen during this time. Generally, well-differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary and follicular types, tend to grow slowly. However, there are exceptions, and some tumors can exhibit more aggressive behavior.
The waiting period before surgery can be concerning, especially if there is uncertainty about the tumor's characteristics. If your tumor is classified as a well-differentiated type, the likelihood of rapid progression is lower. However, if there are signs of aggressive features or if the tumor is poorly differentiated, the risk of rapid progression increases.

It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider during this waiting period. Discuss your concerns about the timeline for surgery and ask if there are any options for expedited care, such as being placed on a cancellation list or seeking a second opinion from another facility. If you feel that your current healthcare provider is not addressing your concerns adequately, it may be worth considering a consultation with another specialist or institution.

In addition to surgical intervention, monitoring the tumor through regular imaging and blood tests can provide valuable information about its behavior. If there are any changes in symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, or rapid growth of the tumor, these should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while many thyroid cancers progress slowly, the specific characteristics of your tumor will ultimately dictate the urgency of treatment. It is vital to advocate for your health, seek clarity from your medical team, and explore all available options to ensure timely and appropriate care. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to pursue the necessary steps to address your concerns.

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