Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid cancer is a form of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones that control bodily functions such as your metabolic rate, breathing, heart rate, and weight. It is important to know the symptoms of thyroid cancer, so you can seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Below are the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer that one should look out for:
- A lump or swelling in the front of the neck. This is the most common presentation of thyroid cancer. It can appear as a single large lump, or as multiple small lumps in the neck.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Pain in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
These symptoms are not exclusive to thyroid cancer. One should consult their doctor if they display any of the above symptoms so that the proper diagnosis can be made.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
If the above symptoms are present, the doctor will do a physical examination and a biopsy of the thyroid gland to check for cancerous cells. If a diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
It is important to remain vigilant and pay close attention to any changes in the neck and shoulder area. If any of the above symptoms of thyroid cancer are noticed, it is important to consult a medical practitioner as soon as possible.
