A 54-year-old woman discovered she had thyroid cancer from a symptom that many people often ignore: a small lump in the neck.
Thought It Was Just a Swollen Lymph Node, but It Turned Out to Be Thyroid Cancer
Ms. Hien noticed a lump in her neck that had been there for almost a month. At first, she thought it was a harmless swollen lymph node that would go away on its own. However, after two weeks, the lump grew larger and became painful when pressed, prompting her to seek medical attention.
At Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, doctors found she had multinodular goiter with mostly benign nodules. One nodule was 3 cm in size and showed signs of internal bleeding, which likely caused the pain. Another nodule, located in the thyroid isthmus (the narrow band of tissue connecting the two lobes), measured 14×9 mm and was classified as TIRADS 3 — a category generally considered low risk for malignancy.
Surgery Was the Right Choice
Although the nodules appeared benign, doctors opted for surgery to remove one lobe of the thyroid and part of the other, to eliminate all nodules and reduce the risk of future regrowth or malignancy.
During the two-hour surgery, the surgical team successfully removed the affected thyroid tissues while preserving critical nerves and blood vessels. The patient recovered quickly without complications such as hoarseness or numbness and was discharged just two days after the operation.
Cancer Diagnosis Confirmed Through Pathology
A week later, pathology results revealed that among the many nodules, one tiny 3 mm nodule was malignant. The final diagnosis was early-stage follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Dr. Phan Vu Hong Hai emphasized the importance of post-surgical histopathological evaluation, as imaging alone may not always reveal malignancy. Timely surgery allowed for complete removal of the cancer while preserving part of the thyroid, thus avoiding total thyroid hormone dependence.
Thyroid Cancer Is Becoming More Common — But Has a Good Prognosis
According to Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Hang, thyroid cancer is categorized into four main types: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. Ms. Hien’s case — a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma — is among the types with a very favorable prognosis. With proper treatment, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 98%.
However, early-stage thyroid cancer often shows no obvious symptoms. Attentive individuals may notice signs such as a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, neck discomfort, hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss.
How to Prevent Thyroid Cancer?
Experts recommend the following to help prevent thyroid cancer:
Get regular health checkups, especially if there is a family history of thyroid disease.
Eat a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, fresh fruits, whole grains, and fiber.
Limit processed foods and unhealthy fats; ensure adequate iodine intake.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and manage stress.
If you notice any unusual neck symptoms, see a doctor early for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Just Found Out Today: These 6 Foods Should Not Be Reheated — If You Can’t Finish Them, It’s Best to Throw Them Away!
In our daily lives,
leftover food is often stored in the refrigerator
to be reheated and eaten later.
However, not all foods are safe to reheat.
Many types of food, when reheated, can actually harm your health.
Today I just learned: these 6 types of food should not be reheated. If you can’t finish them, it’s best to discard them to protect your health!
01. Mushrooms and Mushroom-Based Dishes
Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in daily meals thanks to their fresh and savory taste.
Many people tend to store leftover mushrooms in the fridge and reheat them later.
However, when mushrooms are reheated at high temperatures, they can produce a large amount of nitrites, a substance that’s harmful to the body — possibly causing diarrhea, discomfort, and in severe cases, trigger serious illnesses.
So, mushrooms should be eaten fresh the first time. If there are leftovers, it’s better to throw them out instead of reheating.
02. Seafood
Seafood such as shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, and oysters are favorites for many. But they should never be reheated.
If stored for too long or reheated, seafood is highly likely to breed bacteria and produce toxins.
This can lead to digestive issues, diarrhea, and increased burden on the liver.
For the sake of your health, eat seafood fresh and in one sitting. Don’t keep leftovers to reheat later.
03. Spinach
Vegetables are essential in daily meals, but spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid.
Even when blanched before cooking, reheating spinach a second time can lead to the release of nitrites, which are harmful if consumed over time.
Therefore, do not reheat cooked spinach. Eat it fresh after preparation for best health.
04. Fresh Milk
Many people like to heat up milk before drinking to enhance the taste and aid digestion.
However, once milk has been heated and then cooled, reheating it again can cause the proteins to denature and lead to nutrient loss — even potentially causing diarrhea.
It’s best to only heat milk once and consume it immediately. Do not reheat cooled milk.
05. White Fungus Soup (Snow Fungus with Jujube or Dessert Soups)
Snow fungus (Tremella) is a well-known beauty-boosting ingredient often used in soups and desserts.
Though delicious, if snow fungus soup is left overnight or reheated, the nitrate compounds in it can break down into nitrites, which are harmful and may even disrupt the body’s blood production functions, or cause poisoning.
So, consume snow fungus soup right after it’s made, and avoid reheating it later.
06. Soft-Boiled Eggs (Undercooked Eggs)
Soft-boiled or runny eggs are loved by many, but they should never be reheated.
Because they are not fully cooked, Salmonella bacteria may survive, and improper storage or reheating allows bacteria and toxins to multiply.
For your and your family’s safety, soft-boiled eggs should be eaten immediately after cooking — never reheat them.
Summary:
Today I learned that these 6 types of food should not be reheated. If you can’t finish them, don’t risk your health over leftovers — it’s better to let them go.
Share this article so your family and friends know too!
My Mother’s Secret: Garlic Remedy for Aches and Pains
Did you know garlic isn’t just for flavoring your favorite meals? For generations, families around the world have used garlic as a natural home remedy to ease discomfort from leg pain, joint aches, rheumatism, varicose veins, arthritis, and even headaches. This simple yet powerful tip was passed down to me by my mother—and it’s a comforting, time-honored way to support everyday well-being.
Why Garlic Helps
Garlic has been celebrated not only in the kitchen but also in traditional medicine due to its powerful healing properties:
- Â Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which may help ease swelling and joint pain.
- Â Improves Circulation: Regular use of garlic can help promote better blood flow, especially helpful for those suffering from varicose veins or muscle cramps in the legs.
- Â Relieves Aches and Pains: Garlic-infused remedies may offer relief for tension headaches, arthritis-related discomfort, or muscle soreness.
- Simple Garlic Oil Remedy
This easy-to-make garlic oil is a gentle and natural way to soothe sore muscles and joints.
Ingredients:
5 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled and crushed
½ cup of olive oil
Instructions:
Place the crushed garlic and olive oil in a small saucepan.
Warm over very low heat for 5–10 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Strain out the garlic pieces and store the oil in a clean glass jar.
How to Use It:
Gently massage a small amount of the garlic oil onto sore legs, aching joints, or areas affected by varicose veins.
For added comfort, cover the area with a warm cloth or towel.
Use once or twice daily as needed for relief.
A Gentle Word of Advice
While many people find natural remedies like garlic oil soothing, they are not substitutes for medical care. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, or serious health issues, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Try this traditional garlic remedy passed down through generations—it’s a simple, natural way to bring comfort and care into your daily wellness routine.
6 Best Teas to Keep Your Arteries Healthy
Absolutely! Here’s a list of the six best herbal teas to help maintain artery health, backed by their cardiovascular benefits and natural properties:
1. Green Tea
Benefits:
Rich in antioxidants (catechins) that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
Improves endothelial function and artery elasticity
Promotes blood circulation
Tip: Drink 1–2 cups per day, preferably unsweetened
2. Hibiscus Tea (Jamaica Flower)
Benefits:
Reduces blood pressure thanks to bioactive compounds
Lowers total cholesterol and triglycerides
Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
Advice: Ideal for those with mild hypertension. Avoid if you’re on blood pressure medication
3. Dandelion Tea
Benefits:
Helps detoxify the liver, indirectly benefiting cardiovascular health
Has diuretic properties that help regulate blood pressure
Rich in antioxidants
Tip: Use in moderation (no more than 2 cups per day)
4. Ginger and Lemon Tea
Benefits:
Stimulates blood circulation and helps prevent blood clots
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and may reduce cholesterol
Lemon provides vitamin C, which is essential for healthy arteries
Tip: Great as a morning or post-meal drink
5. Turmeric Tea
Benefits:
Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Helps prevent arterial stiffness (atherosclerosis)
Reduces blood lipid levels
Tip: Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption
6. Garlic Tea
Benefits:
Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
Improves blood vessel elasticity
Helps prevent arterial plaque buildup
Tip: Boil a few garlic cloves in water or combine with ginger for added benefits
GENERAL WARNING:
These teas are natural supplements and do not replace medical treatments. If you’re on medication or have a heart condition, consult your doctor before introducing new teas into your routine.