Growth, development, and metabolism regulation are among the main tasks performed by the thyroid gland. However, changes in your thyroid gland’s general health can occasionally result in dangerous diseases like thyroid cancer. Because early detection becomes the primary goal of treatment, the identification of these concerning indicators may frequently save lives.
1. There is a permanent lump or swelling in the neck
The development of a painless lump or nodule in the neck is one of the most typical early indicators of thyroid cancer. Thyroid nodules may be indicated by a large lump or swelling in the neck, particularly near the thyroid. This lump could show up out of the blue and get bigger over time. A healthcare provider should examine any inexplicable growth in the neck, even though the majority of thyroid lumps are benign. Some nodules may be malignant, although the majority are benign. Therefore, in order to rule out cancer, a medical evaluation is necessary.
2. Trouble Swallowing or Breathing
The tumor’s strain on the oesophagus or windpipe might make it difficult to swallow or breathe, thus one should never disregard this symptom, explains Dr. Bhavna Bansal, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Histopathology Oncquest Laboratories. The tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, the oesophagus, may be compressed by an enlarged thyroid gland. Especially when swallowing larger meals or liquids, this pressure can make swallowing uncomfortable or challenging. In extreme situations, the swallowing problem could last longer and become more obvious.
3. Hoarseness or Voice Change
Hoarseness, a raspy voice, or other abnormalities in your typical speaking voice may result from thyroid cancer that affects the nerves that regulate the vocal cords. Over time, these alterations may become more noticeable, especially if the malignancy is close to the voice cords or if the tumour gets bigger. Thyroid cancer may cause persistent hoarseness or a change in voice, particularly if the vocal chords are affected.
4. Lump that Grows Rapidly
A red flag is a bulge that grows quickly over time. In contrast to benign nodules, malignant growths often grow quickly.
5. Unexplained Neck Pain
Thyroid cancer may be the cause of persistent neck or throat pain, particularly if it is unrelated to a cold or other common ailments, explains Dr. Vishal Rao, Director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, KR Road, Bangalore. If the cancer has spread to neighbouring lymph nodes, this pain could get greater and cause more irritation in the throat and neck. It could be a symptom if you have persistent neck or throat pain that has no other explanation.
6. Swollen lymph Nodes
The thyroid gland is situated in the front of the neck, directly beneath the Adam’s apple. It may produce significant neck swelling if it enlarges as a result of malignancy. This swelling can be apparent, and in certain situations, it might put pressure on surrounding structures, which could cause pain. Thyroid cancer that has spread to the surrounding tissues may be indicated by enlarged lymph nodes near the thyroid gland.
7. Breathing Problems
Breathing problems may result from the thyroid gland’s growth exerting pressure on the trachea, or windpipe. When you are exercising or, in more severe situations, even when you are at rest, this might be quite apparent. It’s critical to get medical help right away if breathing becomes laboured or difficult.
8. Chronic Cough
Thyroid cancer may be the cause of a persistent cough that doesn’t go away and isn’t caused by an infection or the typical cold. The development of a thyroid tumour pressing on surrounding tissues, such as the windpipe, may be the cause of this persistent cough, which may not generate mucus.
