Goitre, a swelling or lump in the neck caused by a swollen thyroid, is one of the thyroid-related abnormalities that people may have heard of or spoken about. There are common perceptions and myths that surround goitre, which are often bad news. However, not all of these perceptions are entirely true.
The size of the swelling often leads to the misconception that it poses a significant threat to our health, but this is not always the case. When we notice unusual swellings on any part of our body, especially in the neck, the fear of the outcome is understandable, especially for those without proper medical awareness.
To unpack the misconceptions and myths surrounding thyroids, the New Sarawak Tribune recently sat down with Dr Lau Bik Kui, a consultant endocrinologist for KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, for an interview.
Dr Lau emphasized that not all thyroids are cancerous and do not require surgery. He repeated this several times during the interview because the majority of his patients often come with the perception that surgery is necessary. He explained that unnecessary surgeries are often performed on thyroid nodules, which can lead to complications and consequences. Only less than 10 percent of thyroid nodules, or swellings in the thyroid gland, are cancerous, and not all cases require surgery.
Dr Lau also addressed other myths and misconceptions about thyroids. For instance, the idea that patients on thyroxine medication, which is known as thyroid vitamins, can stop taking their medication once their thyroid hormone levels have gone back to normal is false. The medication is often lifelong, and patients must continue taking it, not stopping it prematurely when undergoing a thyroid function disturbance.
He also clarified that patients should not worry about consuming seafood and salt, which contain iodine, the main ingredient needed to form thyroid hormones. Iodine overdose is rare, and iodine deficiency is even rarer, as iodine is part of the minerals in our water resources.
Dr Lau also debunked the myth that lifestyle behaviors or unhealthy diets can affect a person’s thyroid hormone levels. He explained that thyroid dysfunctions have no relation to our lifestyles and diets. Individuals with a family history of over or under-production of thyroid hormones are probably at risk, especially women, as thyroid dysfunctions are 70 to 90 percent more common in females.
He stressed the importance of seeking medical attention if one notices a lump in the middle of their neck. Doctors need to identify whether it is a thyroid or not. Thyroid screening is recommended, especially for those aged 35 to 40 years old and above, to undergo annual health check-ups.
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to heart failure, while overproduction of thyroid hormones can cause a stroke and atrial fibrillation, which is an irregularity of the heartbeat. Therefore, it is vital to seek a second or third opinion before proceeding to the next step.
Dr Lau and the hospital are creating awareness about thyroids, and he emphasized that a doctor-to-patient relationship is essential. Not all thyroid nodules need to be operated, only 10 percent are cancerous, and 90 percent are not.
