Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms Everyone Should Know
thyroid cancer symptoms
Thyroid cancer symptoms are the manifestations when abnormal cells grow in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is situated in the front of the neck and generates hormones that facilitate normal bodily work. This type of cancer is treatable when diagnosed earlier but might recur after several years. There is no exact cause of this type of cancer found yet changes in DNA play a major role.
Usually, thyroid cancer does not show symptoms in such a way that it is left untreated. On the other hand, most people diagnosed with thyroid cancer experiences thyroid nodule as the primary thyroid cancer symptom. There are four types of thyroid cancer that include follicular thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. Some of the apparent thyroid cancer symptoms include:
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Lump in the neck
Some thyroid nodules are small that make it unnoticeable. Some people notice the lump not by seeing it but by feeling it. In the same manner, if the lump cannot be seen and feel, it is noticeable when swallowing. The best way to identify the thyroid lump is when the doctor performs thyroid exam. This is one of the thyroid cancer symptoms that should be paid attention.
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Swollen lymph node
Another thyroid cancer symptom is swollen lymph nodes. It happens when the cancer cells spread in the lymph nodes. Usually, the lymph nodes swell when a person has sore throat or cold but it returns to the normal size when the infection is gone. Nevertheless, if the lymph nodes stay swollen for longer time even without sore throat or cold then you should consult your doctor.
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Hoarse voice
The thyroid gland is located below the voice box. When the thyroid nodule puts pressure in the voice box the voice changes and become hoarse. That is why it is mistakenly treated as throat cancer symptoms.
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Difficulty breathing and swallowing
The thyroid is above the windpipe or the trachea. When the thyroid cancer develops, it presses the windpipe that would result to difficulty in breathing. Likewise, when the thyroid cancer blocks the esophagus an individual would experience trouble in swallowing. In addition, if you are experiencing neck pain for few weeks you should not take it for granted. This is because neck pain is another thyroid cancer symptom. Persistent throat pain is another indication of thyroid cancer that is why it should not be taken for granted.
When you experience any of the above mentioned thyroid cancer symptoms you should immediately call your doctor. Once you visit your doctor you should tell everything about the thyroid cancer symptoms you have noticed. After which the doctor will do physical examination particularly the swollen lymph nodes. However, the thyroid cancer symptoms are not enough to rule out the condition that is why there are several procedures done in order to rule out the condition such as laryngoscopy, thyroid scan, and thyroid biopsy as well as calcitonin blood test. Once diagnosed with thyroid cancer the doctor would recommend the appropriate treatment. Generally, surgery is the common option taken especially when there is a need to remove the entire thyroid gland. Likewise, radiation therapy is also performed. After the treatment, thyroid hormonal replacement is necessary to prevent the thyroid cancer symptoms from recurring.
