{"id":3605,"date":"2019-02-05T06:18:52","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T06:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3605"},"modified":"2021-05-25T17:07:50","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T17:07:50","slug":"12-most-common-thyroid-cancer-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-most-common-thyroid-cancer-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Thyroid Cancer Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Around one percent of each newly diagnosed cancers in the United States each year are a type of thyroid cancer. This makes it one of the more rare forms of cancer to be diagnosed with. The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary carcinoma with nearly 80 percent of thyroid cancer being this type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other types of thyroid cancer include follicular carcinomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, and anaplastic carcinomas. When a thyroid nodule develops, a biopsy will be performed to examine the cells and determine whether it is benign or malignant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for thyroid cancer will vary based on the type of cancer that it is as well as how far it has spread. It will typically require a multidisciplinary team including a radiologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, and a surgeon. Here are some of the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer to look for as an early diagnosis increases the chance of survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Nodule
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Most forms of thyroid cancer will first present as a nodule<\/a>. This nodule will be painless and is typically located in the front of the neck, just below Adam\u2019s apple. A person will typically discover a nodule by palpitating the neck. This may be self-discovered in the shower or during a routine examination by a physician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically when a person discovers a solitary nodule they will not think much about it as these nodules typically will not cause any pain and can be somewhat unnoticeable. In about four to seven percent of the population nodules on the thyroid are present and most of these nodules are benign. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A solitary nodule is more likely to be malignant in people who are under the age of thirty or over the age of sixty. If you discover a nodule located under Adam\u2019s apple, it is a good idea to have it checked by a doctor to rule out thyroid cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Hoarseness
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When a person has a nodule appear in their neck also has a voice that is hoarse, it is much more likely that the nodule that has appeared is malignant. When the voice becomes hoarse it is often indicative that the laryngeal nerve<\/a> is involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The laryngeal nerve is a part of the vagus nerve. It is responsible for innervating the muscles located within the larynx. It is also responsible for vocal cord paralysis. The thyroid is located under the larynx. The larynx is often referred to as the voice box. When there is a nodule present on the thyroid, it will often put pressure on the voice box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can lead to changes in the voice or a hoarseness. If a person is experiencing changes in their voice that are persistent and not resolving, there is a good chance there is a growth on the thyroid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Dysphagia
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When a person has difficulty swallowing the medical term for it is dysphagia<\/a>. Dysphagia can also cause a person to have difficulty starting the swallowing movement. It may also cause a person to feel like they have food that is stuck in the chest or the neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom is quite common in older people, which means that it is often overlooked as a symptom of thyroid cancer. In patients over the age of 50, dysphagia is quite common. When a person has thyroid cancer, the dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is caused by the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. This enlargement causes direct compression in the throat area, which can make it difficult to swallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even after a patient has been treated and has thyroid cancer under control, they may still continue to experience difficulty swallowing. This can be caused as a consequence of the surgery or radiation treatment that is used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Lymphadenopathy
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When the lymph nodes<\/a> become an abnormal size, or if they have an abnormal consistency or there are too many or not enough, it is called lymphadenopathy. The lymph nodes are part of the immune system. The main function of the lymph nodes is to fight off infections. Lymph nodes are found all throughout the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the thyroid cancer spreads into the lymph nodes that are located near the thyroid gland, the lymph nodes that have been affected will swell. Many of the lymph nodes that are located in the neck are affected by thyroid cancer spreading. A high-resolution ultrasound along with a CT scan using contrast will allow a doctor to examine the lymph nodes to see if they are involved with cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lymph nodes found in the neck are divided into three areas, the posterolateral neck, the anterolateral neck, and the central neck. Any lymph nodes that have been affected need to be removed during surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Dyspnea
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A person who has thyroid cancer may have difficulty breathing. This symptom is referred to as dyspnea<\/a>. If the growth in the thyroid becomes large enough it can cause the airway to become obstructed. When this occurs, it can cause a person to become short of breath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason that a person who has thyroid cancer may experience dyspnea or shortness of breath is that cancer may have spread into the lungs. When thyroid cancer starts to spread it can cause pleural effusions and lung infiltration. Lung metastasis is often associated with many respiratory symptoms, including difficulty breathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this occurs it can lead to many complications, some of which can be fatal. Lung metastases are the cause of death in about 46 percent of patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. If you notice a lump in your throat, it is important to have it checked right away so that it can be removed quickly as this provides the best chance at survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Cough
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One of the non-specific symptoms of thyroid cancer is a cough. There are numerous reasons that a person may develop a cough<\/a>. A common cold, a tickle in the throat, or simply an irritation can cause a person to cough. A cough that is caused by thyroid cancer will be persistent and will simply not go away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This cough is typically caused by an irritation located in the trachea that affects the nerves of the vocal cords. The nodule is the main cause of this irritation. As the nodule grows it can stretch or rub on the nerve, which leads to irritation and a persistent cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A patient that has a cough that is persistent and has been found to have thyroid cancer may have to have a CT scan in order to determine how involved the nerves are. The CT scan is also done to confirm or to rule out whether or not the cough is being caused by the nodule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Needing to Swallow
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There are some people who have thyroid cancer that will experience a symptom of needing to swallow. These people constantly feel like there is something in their throat. Most patients who have this symptom will not actually feel a nodule located in the front of their neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because the nodule has grown on the backside area of the throat<\/a>. If you have noticed that you have the constant urge to clear your throat or to swallow, it could be an indication that there is a nodule on the thyroid growing on the back area of the thyroid gland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to confirm this, a doctor will order an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. This will help determine the exact location and the size of the nodule. An aspiration biopsy will then be used to find out whether the nodule is malignant or benign. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Loss of Appetite
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A person who is suffering from thyroid cancer is similar to patients who suffer from other types of cancers. Those who do not have the symptoms of hyperthyroidism <\/a>may experience a loss of appetite. These individuals simply do not have a desire to eat, even foods that were once enjoyable to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this could be caused by the metabolic changes that are caused by cancer. Some of the other factors that may contribute to the loss of appetite include weakness, pain, fatigue, and depression. In individuals who have thyroid cancer, it may cause difficulty swallowing, which can cause a person not to eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feeling of having a constant lump in the throat also contributes to the loss of appetite. As the nodule or cancer grows, the esophagus may become obstructed. This can cause a person to resort to liquids or soft foods, which may not be very appetizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Weight Gain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most telling signs that you might be suffering from impaired thyroid function, is that you gain weight. This happens due to a condition called hypothyroidism<\/a>, which is the opposite of the condition known as \u2018hyperthyroidism\u2019 which we already discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, a depleted production of thyroid hormones is leaving you feeling exhausted and drained and is preventing you from being able to burn calories and build muscle as you normally would. This can then leave you feeling very sluggish, while also gaining a lot of weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, hypothyroidism causes a huge number of different changes throughout the body, due to interactions with a number of different hormones and processes in the body. This can eventually lead you to develop all kinds of unusual changes, ranging from acne, to sweating, too many of the issues that we are going to discuss in a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Carpal Tunnel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of those conditions that can occur as a result of hypothyroidism is carpal tunnel<\/a>. This is a condition caused by swelling on the tendons that help to move the fingers. This, in turn, results in difficulty moving those fingers and makes everyday activities like holding items, picking things up, or using your hands dexterously (in order to type for example) much more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link between carpal tunnel and hypothyroidism is not fully understood, but likely it has to do with changes in hormones that modulate swelling. This just goes to show the many complex interactions in the body \u2013 how a change to one area can often result in unexpected changes to another area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Mania<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As already discussed, hypothyroidism is just one condition associated with damage to the thyroid gland, with the other condition being hyperthyroidism. This is effectively the opposite condition and results in an increase in the metabolism<\/a>, as the body is ramped up into overdrive producing more hormones that burn through fat, increase brain activity, and generally make you \u2018wired\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mania also occurs with bipolar disorder and is effectively the opposite of a depressed state. Here, your brain is excessively active \u2013 though not necessarily always in an anxious way. You will generally feel yourself wanting to engage in lots of activity, finding it difficult to sleep, wanting to make lots of noise, and potentially having racing thoughts. Others might find it hard to spend time around you, and you might find yourself feeling exhausted eventually by your own activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find yourself often swinging between the two extremes of mania and depression, then you likely are suffering from bipolar disorder. Otherwise, if you notice mania along with weight loss, lack of appetite, and other changes, then you might have hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Heavy Periods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another example of how hypothyroidism can impact on other hormones and processes in the body is the way in which it can affect female hormones and estrogen. This, in turn, can alter a woman\u2019s menstrual cycle<\/a>, and thereby cause her to have heavier or less regular periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result can be painful and very stressful for the woman, and in some cases, it might also be tied to other reproductive issues. In many cases, for instance, hypothyroidism can be linked with polycystic ovaries. The exact cause of this is not fully known, but it might have something to do with alterations in estrogen production. This can potentially cause difficulties with fertility and is another example of just what havoc can be wrought by unusual hormone production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Lethargy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, if thyroid cancer should slow the production of thyroid hormones and make the individual gain weight, this can also cause lethargy<\/a>. In short, the body has become less efficient at burning food for fuel, which both causes the increase in size and the reduction in energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time though, this isn\u2019t the only reason that you might start to feel tired and unable to engage in activities. The other reason is directly caused by the fact that you have cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, when you have cancerous cells, this can cause the body to go into overdrive trying to drive those cells out and destroy them. In short, the body is at war with itself and all your resources are being directed toward that task. This, in turn, is then going to leave you feeling extremely fatigued, as you no longer have the energy for other important tasks like engaging in normal activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many potential causes for lethargy and tiredness, but in short, you should make sure that you pay attention to any unexplained cause of fatigue \u2013 and have it checked out by your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Illness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might also find that you start to become ill more easily. Maybe you\u2019ve had a run of colds, or maybe you keep getting the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this can point to a lot of things \u2013 you might simply be run down. However, in some cases it might be that you are becoming ill because your body is so busy fighting other things. This then means that your immune system<\/a> is basically \u2018otherwise engaged\u2019 and therefore less available in order to help you fend off other illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key here is to look for signs of all these things together. If you find that you are generally feeling unwell and fatigued, and that you are gaining or losing weight, or that you are showing other connected symptoms associated with thyroidism\u2026 then you might consider cancer as a possible cause \u2013 especially if you also have difficulty swallowing.
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