Early Warning Signs of Thyroid cancer

Cancer is a collection of related diseases in which body cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues. Some of the cancers show early signs and symptoms, but most cancers will not show any sign or symptoms and thyroid cancer is one of these.

Thyroid cancer appears in the cell of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck, below the cartilage known as the Adam’s apple. A relatively rare disease, thyroid cancer accounts for about 3% of all new cancer cases. Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms at first but as it grows it can cause pain and swelling in your neck.

Several types of thyroid cancers exist. Some grow very slowly and others can be aggressive. Most cases of thyroid cancers can be cured with the same treatment. Doctors have found that this type of cancer is profuse.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

There are different types of thyroid cancer, which are classified based on the types of cells present in the tumor. The thyroid cancer treatment and prognosis depend on the types:

1. Papillary Thyroid: the most common type of cancer. It arises from the cell in the thyroid gland that produces and stores thyroid hormones. Most common in people between the age of 30 and 50.
2. Follicular Thyroid: arises for the follicular cells of the thyroid and commonly present in those who are in the age of 50. It is the most aggressive form of cancer.
3. Anaplastic Thyroid: a rare type of cancer that occurs in older patients over the age of 60. It is very aggressive and grows rapidly.
4. Medullary Thyroid: arises in the C cell in the thyroid gland.

Can thyroid cancer be detected early? The answer is yes, in many cases thyroid cancer can be detected much earlier than in the past and can be treated successfully. Here are some of the reasons:

● Routine Checkup: Health care professionals find thyroid cancers during a routine checkup.

● Imaging Tests: Early thyroid cancers are also sometimes found when people have imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans for other health problems.

● Neck Lumps: Most early thyroid cancers are found when patients see their doctors because of neck lumps or nodules they noticed.

If you have symptoms like pain and swelling in your neck or any of the following signs, you should see your doctor right away.

Early Signs of Thyroid Cancer:

Thyroid cancer is commonly diagnosed at a younger age than most adult cancers. Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men are. Below are several signs of thyroid cancer:

1. Lump in the neck: About 90% of thyroid nodules are benign. However, if you have a larger lump at the base of your neck, pay attention to it.
2. Hoarse Voice: In rare cases the nodule, particularly a cancerous one can extend beyond the thyroid damaging your nerve and affecting your vocal chords.
3. Chronic Cough: A small percentage of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer will develop a cough, which comes with no other symptoms.
4. Neck Pain: Generally starts with the front of the neck and can sometimes travel up to the ears.
5. Trouble Breathing: Even when you are not swallowing or speaking, thyroid symptoms make it hard to breathe. You may feel short of breath even when you are not active, especially when you are lying flat.
6. Trouble Swallowing: A growth or a nodule on the thyroid gland may interfere in swallowing.
7. Weight Loss: A sudden weight loss
8. Palpitation: Heart palpitations

If you have any of these signs and symptoms, you need to visit an ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist. Many of these symptoms can be caused due to non-cancerous conditions. Lumps in the thyroid are common and are usually benign. Still if you have any of these symptoms, it is advisable to visit your doctor.