What Are Early Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Thyroid Cancer?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This vital organ is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. Thyroid cancer develops when cells in the thyroid gland undergo genetic mutations, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumour formation.
The tumor may first spread to nearby tissues and then to the lymph nodes. In advanced stages, the cancer cells can spread beyond the neck to the lungs, bones, and other parts of the body and exhibit different signs.
It is more common if:-
- You’re between the ages of 25 and 65
- You have been exposed to radiation in the head or neck area
- You’re a woman. Women are three times more likely to get thyroid cancer than men.
Early Detection is Key
In its early stages, thyroid cancer may or may not show any signs, making the diagnosis a difficult task for many. Normally, you can’t feel any lump upon touch. But when cancer spreads or advances, a lump may form as the tumor grows in size.
Here are some common signs of thyroid cancer:-
A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid. Sometimes a thyroid nodule can’t be seen or felt with your fingers. In those cases, you may experience a swollen lymph node instead. Lymph nodes are present throughout your body to help fight infection. In the advanced stage, when thyroid cancer has outgrown the local nodes, then these nodes may become swollen.
However, not all thyroid nodules are big enough to be seen through the eyes. Perhaps you may not be able to see it but can feel it, or none of this may happen. Your doctor may do a physical examination to feel your thyroid and rule out any growth or nodules.
Swelling in the neck
The enlargement of thyroid gland due to the growth of cancerous cells can result in swelling in the neck. However, swelling may or may not be visible to your eyes until it’s an advanced stage of cancer. Swelling appears at the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple; however, it can be painless. Both men and women have Adam’s apples, but in women, they tend to be smaller and less prominent than men.
Inflammation in the lymph nodes can also cause swelling in thyroid glands.
Suddenly, you may notice that your shirt collars are too tight or that your neck looks larger than usual. So, swelling in the gland due to nodules can be a thyroid cancer symptom in males and females.
Trouble swallowing
Swelling may also make it hard for you to swallow your food. Thyroid gland is located on top of your trachea, and right below is the oesophagus. So, developing thyroid cancer can cause difficulty swallowing food. You may have trouble swallowing your food for some other reasons, so the best way is to ask your doctor about the reason for your condition.
Trouble breathing
When thyroid advances, it may spread to the other nearby organs, including the windpipe. The pressure on the trachea makes breathing difficult for anyone with thyroid cancer.
A constant cough that is not due to a cold
If you have a nagging cough for a long time and it is not linked to cold, allergy, COVID-19, smoothing, asthma, etc., it could be a sign of thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer can possibly cause growth or nodules to form around this butterfly gland. As the nodules get larger, they can irritate your throat and cause a long-lasting cough, which is dry.
Hoarse Voice
Your thyroid gland is located just below the larynx, which is your voice box. A thyroid nodule may be pressing on the voice cords and causing hoarseness. So, changes in voice can be thyroid cancer symptoms in females.
Neck Pain
Pain is a sign that there’s something wrong with your health. Pain in your neck does not necessarily point to cancer, but if you have persistent neck pain for a few weeks along with other signs, consult your doctor right away to figure out the cause. The pain may also radiate up to your ears or sides. Tell the doctor what you feel is necessary for a better diagnosis of the condition.
Throat Pain</h2 >
If you have pain in your throat that won’t go away but worsens when you eat anything, you should go see your doctor. It’s a possible symptom of thyroid cancer.
If cancer has metastasized to other surrounding organs of the body, it may cause the following thyroid cancer symptoms in women and men:
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Not feeling hungry
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexpected weight loss even without trying
Early detection and prompt medical attention are essential for the successful management of thyroid cancer. By seeking medical guidance at the first sign of any concerning symptoms, individuals can ensure timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment options, including innovative approaches like proton therapy when applicable.
Conclusion
Thyroid cancer, although a serious condition, is often manageable with early detection and appropriate treatment. By understanding the early warning signs and symptoms, individuals
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many thyroid nodules are benign, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- A lump or swelling in the neck that is rapidly growing or persistent
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness or changes in voice that last for more than a few weeks
- Persistent pain in the neck or throat
- A family history of thyroid cancer or a personal history of radiation exposure to the head or neck
Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the neck and thyroid gland. They may also recommend additional tests, such as:
- Thyroid function tests to assess hormone levels
- Ultrasound imaging to evaluate the size, shape, and characteristics of thyroid nodules
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy to collect cells from suspicious nodules for further analysis
- Genetic testing to identify any hereditary factors that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer
If thyroid cancer is diagnosed, your healthcare team will discuss various treatment options based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Treatment may include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and, in some cases, external beam radiation therapy, such as proton therapy.
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses high-energy proton beams to target and destroy cancer cells with precision. This treatment modality minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissues, potentially reducing side effects and improving the quality of life for patients with thyroid cancer.
can proactively approach their thyroid health and seek medical attention when necessary.
If you notice any symptoms discussed in this article or have concerns about your thyroid health, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider. With the right care and support, including advanced treatment options like proton therapy when appropriate, individuals with thyroid cancer can overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
