Thuy Linh, a 35-year-old from An Giang, had thyroid cancer for a year but opted for traditional medicine instead of undergoing surgery. Recently, she has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. She is concerned whether these symptoms could be signs of metastatic disease.

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in producing hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and various other bodily functions. If thyroid cancer is not treated properly or left untreated, cancer cells can invade nearby structures such as muscles, esophagus, trachea, larynx, and blood vessels in the neck. These cancer cells can also metastasize to lymph nodes and distant areas like bones, brain, liver, and lungs. Metastatic thyroid cancer can be challenging to treat and requires careful management.

The symptoms of metastatic thyroid cancer can vary depending on the affected areas. Bone metastases can lead to bone pain, brittle bones