The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Guidelines for Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (Second Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the "Guidelines") points out: "Ultrasound screening of thyroid nodules is not recommended in non-high-risk general population, but it is recommended to screen thyroid cancer in the following circumstances: head and neck radiation exposure in childhood, history of whole body radiotherapy, family history of thyroid cancer in first-degree relatives, family history or personal history of thyroid cancer-related genetic syndrome."
So why not recommend ordinary people to do ultrasound screening? In fact, there are four main reasons:
First, the probability of malignant transformation of benign nodules is very low. Related reports pointed out: "1597 Benign thyroid nodules diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were followed up for 5 years. The maximum diameter of nodules in 15% patients increased by 0.49cm on average, and the diameter of nodules in 19% patients decreased. During the follow-up period, only 5 nodules were diagnosed as malignant (0.3%). "
It can be seen that benign nodules generally do not develop into malignant tumors. On the contrary, if we do a lot of ultrasonic screening on weekdays, our health will be damaged due to the great harm of radiation.
Second, it may bring the harm of overtreatment to the parties. The sensitivity of high-resolution ultrasound screening is very high, which can judge and find 2mm nodules and give the possibility of malignant lesions. Some people find it difficult to accept the probability of malignant lesions and require hospital treatment or even surgery.
In fact, in general, nodules smaller than 5 mm do not need intervention, and regular observation and review are enough. However, some people will ask the hospital to do fine needle biopsy (a technical treatment) because of fear, which will not only make the client bear a certain treatment cost, but also make the body suffer the pain of surgery.
Third, it may bring waste of medical resources. As I said before, nodules are generally benign, and the probability of malignant transformation is very low. But it is undeniable that many people in today's society have thyroid nodules. Imagine that if everyone wants to go to the hospital for treatment as soon as they have nodules, it will inevitably lead to a run and a waste of medical resources. Anyone who has been to a big city hospital knows that it is really a sea of people, and it takes half a day to queue up for registration. )
Fourth, it brings people great psychological pressure and even mental illness. Some people have low endurance. They are afraid of getting sick and want to know whether they are sick or not. If they really want to find out even a little problem, they will be too nervous to eat and sleep, and even have mental illness in the long run.
Therefore, if it is really unnecessary, it is recommended that you do not have ultrasound screening. After all, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.