- pain or sensitivity in the neck or throat
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- hoarseness that may come and go or is constant
- swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
- nodule or lump in the area around the Adam's apple
-
persistent cough or clearing of the throat
Symptoms do vary based on the type of thyroid cancer. The symptoms of thyroid cancer can be non-specific and are often related to many other non-related malignant conditions. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare and symptoms are most often caused by another condition, not cancer. Many thyroid diseases produce similar symptoms.
Nodules can be a common symptom of thyroid cancer, but not all nodules are cancerous. About 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant. If a nodule is discovered during an examination, a thyroid ultrasound is often recommended to learn more about the nodule and whether is has the characteristics of being cancerous. If cancer is suspected, a thyroid biopsy is needed to confirm or rule out cancer. Various blood tests are also important in investigating a thyroid nodule.
What to Do If You Have the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
You should see your doctor at the onset of any symptoms you may be experiencing. The delay in waiting for symptoms to "go away" could affect your treatment options and prognosis. The good news is that while thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, it is the least fatal of all types of cancer. In most cases, it is treatable and many times, curable.Again, many other conditions and diseases cause symptoms similar to that of thyroid cancer. Clearing the throat, hoarseness, coughing, and neck pain are all symptoms of many other conditions. It is important to see your doctor when you begin experiencing symptoms. That way you can detect any benign or malignant conditions early before treatment options may become more aggressive and limited.
