Thyroid cancer is cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower front of your neck. It makes hormones that help control your body’s growth and metabolism. Thyroid cancer can often be treated successfully if it is found early. In this article, we will discuss 10 symptoms of thyroid cancer that you should be aware of!
What Is Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower front of your neck. It makes hormones that help control your body’s growth and metabolism. Thyroid cancer can often be treated successfully if it is found early.
Types Of Thyroid Cancer
There are three main types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. Follicular thyroid cancer accounts for about 15 percent of all cases, while medullary thyroid cancer represents about five percent of all cases. Papillary and follicular carcinomas are sometimes known as differentiated thyroid cancers.
Symptoms Of Thyroid Cancer
The symptoms of thyroid cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Thyroid cancer can affect the production of thyroid hormones and cause diarrhea and flushing. However, there are some general symptoms that you should be aware of, which include:
- A lump in your neck
- Swelling in your neck
- Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent pain in your throat or neck
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
These are just a few of the potential symptoms of thyroid cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. Early detection is key when it comes to thyroid cancer!
A Lump In The Neck
One of the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer is a lump in the neck. This lump is usually painless and can be found near Adam’s apple or below the chin. If you notice a lump in your neck, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck
Another common symptom of thyroid cancer is swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. They are located throughout the body, including the neck. If you notice any swelling in your lymph nodes, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Neck Pain Moving Into The Ears
Another symptom of thyroid cancer is neck pain that moves into the ears. This pain is usually a dull ache that gets worse with time. If you experience this type of pain, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Difficulty Swallowing
If you have difficulty swallowing, it could be a sign of thyroid cancer. This difficulty is usually caused by pressure on the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. If you experience difficulty swallowing, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Difficulty Breathing
If you have difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of thyroid cancer. This difficulty is usually caused by pressure on the trachea, which is the windpipe. If you experience difficulty breathing, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Wheezing
Wheezing is another symptom of thyroid cancer. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that is made when you breathe. If you experience wheezing, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Hoarseness In The Voice
If you have hoarseness in your voice, it could be a sign of thyroid cancer. Hoarseness is usually caused by pressure on the vocal cords. If you experience hoarseness, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
A Recurring Cough
If you have a recurring cough, it could be a sign of thyroid cancer. A cough is usually caused by pressure on the trachea. If you experience a cough, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Infectious Triggers
Some viruses may have a link to thyroid cancer, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, which is known to cause mononucleosis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most serious form because it spreads quickly to other regions of the body. Other viruses that have been linked to thyroid cancer include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
If you have any of these viruses, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. Early detection is key when it comes to thyroid cancer!
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine or a change inside thyroid cells. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Heat intolerance
- Sweating
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition. Early detection is key when it comes to thyroid cancer!
Treatment For Thyroid Cancer
The treatment for thyroid cancer will vary depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. However, there are some general treatments that are often used to treat the condition. These treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Thyroid Surgery
Surgery is often used to treat thyroid cancer. The most common type of surgery is a total thyroidectomy, which involves removing the entire thyroid gland. This surgery is usually followed
The sooner thyroid cancer is found and treated, the better your chances are of beating the disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your doctor! Early detection is key when it comes to thyroid cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another treatment option for thyroid cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. This treatment can be given externally, or it can be given internally using radioactive iodine.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or orally.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a relatively new type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells. This type of therapy can help to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This type of therapy can help to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Clinical Trials
If you have thyroid cancer, you may be eligible for a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments in humans. These studies are important for finding new and better ways to treat cancer. If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your doctor about your options.
The Bottom Line
Thyroid cancer is a serious condition that should not be ignored. Thyroid cancers are frequently detected during a normal physical check of the neck. If you notice any of the symptoms of thyroid cancer, don’t hesitate to call your doctor! Early detection is key when it comes to thyroid cancer. With early detection, treatment is often more successful.
Articles You Might Enjoy Reading
