Thyroid cancer often takes hold in the body silently. In the early stage of the disease in particular there may be no clear symptoms. But if certain warning signs appear, it is important to see a doctor quickly. Modern tests can detect thyroid cancer at an early stage.
The thyroid is an important gland at the front of the neck. It helps regulate the body’s metabolism, energy levels, temperature and hormone balance. Thyroid cancer can develop when the cells of this gland grow abnormally.
According to specialists, the following five signs should not be ignored and a doctor should be consulted if they appear.
A lump or swelling in the neck
A new lump in the neck, or an existing lump that grows quickly, can be one of the warning signs of thyroid cancer. But not every lump in the neck is cancer, so it is important to have a lump examined to find the cause.
A hoarse voice that lasts
If the voice stays rough or hoarse for a long time without any clear reason, it should be taken seriously. This kind of problem can arise when the nerves around the thyroid are affected.
Trouble swallowing or breathing
If a thyroid tumour grows and presses on nearby organs or tissue, it can cause difficulty swallowing food or breathing normally.
Pain or swelling in the neck
Unusual swelling or pain around the thyroid can also be a reason for caution. A doctor should be consulted quickly, especially if there is also a lump in the neck or any other symptom.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
If the lymph nodes in the neck become abnormally enlarged, that too needs to be examined. In some cases this kind of change can appear when thyroid cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
If an abnormality in the thyroid is suspected, a doctor may usually advise a high-resolution thyroid ultrasound. If needed, an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) test is also done, in which a sample is taken from the thyroid lump and examined for cancer cells.
Having these signs does not mean a person has thyroid cancer. In many cases the same symptoms arise from other causes. So if symptoms appear, the most important thing is to see a doctor quickly without panicking.
Source: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
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