Dr. Tsubokura's Radiation Lecture Vol.25
Author: Masaharu Tsubokura
Editors: Akihiko Ozaki M.D., Yuki Senoo
49. Ultrasound examination is used to diagnose tumors
There are two types of thyroid-related diseases, ones that change hormonal balances and ones that develop a “tumor.”
In general, palpitations or an ultrasonography examination are the choices for the primary diagnosis method.
A sac-like structure containing liquid, called a “cyst,” is often found during ultrasound examinations. The cyst appears as a black spot on the thyroid glands in the ultrasound. If we count tiny cysts as well, these cysts can be found in more than 1 in 2-3 children.
Cysts are not “precancerous,” which denotes the potential to become cancer if they are left untreated.
In many cases, cysts store the substances to produce hormones, and they commonly disappear and are newly formed on another location after the diagnosis.
Except in the case of cysts measuring several centimeters or more, treatment is unnecessary, even when several are found.
50. Cancer screening participation rate is approximately 30%
In general, health checkups, which are annually conducted at workplaces, medical institutions, and schools, are performed to check for the presence of any abnormalities of the body rather than to look for a specific disease.
Further screening is performed to check for the presence of a specific type of disease.
Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Japan for more than 30 years, and it has recently accounted for approximately 30% of annual deaths.
The main purpose of cancer screenings is to detect cancer.
Various types of screening tests exist, and the most appropriate one is selected for each type of cancer. For example, a fecal occult blood test is performed to detect colon cancer, and a cytodiagnosis of the cervix is performed for cervical cancer.
Many risk factors for cancer exist other than radiation exposure. The participation rate of cancer screenings in Japan is around 30% for all types of cancer screenings.
In the early stages of cancer, patients often do not have any recognizable symptoms. Routine cancer screenings are recommended to protect the health of individuals and their family members.
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The Japanese version of the manuscript was originally published in Fukushima Minyu, a local newspaper in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, on December 13th and 20th of 2015 and was reproduced for MRIC Global under the author's permission.