Thyroid Cancer Symptoms: Recognizing Warning Signs

Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms to Watch for and Ways to Prevent It

Thyroid cancer usually starts in the thyroid gland-a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other vital functions. It’s a type of endocrine cancer and is usually very treatable with a high recovery rate.

Each year, around 53,000 people around the world are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and though treatments are often effective, about 2,000 deaths still occur. Women are about three times more likely to get thyroid cancer than men, usually in their 40s or 50s. In contrast, men are more often diagnosed in their 60s or 70s. Additionally, in rare cases, children can be affected.

Keep reading to learn more about thyroid cancer symptoms, stages, and effective treatment options!

What are the Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer commonly starts as a lump in the neck called a thyroid nodule. However, there's no need to panic—most nodules are harmless, and only a small portion (around 3 out of 20) turns out to be cancerous.

Here are some thyroid cancer neck pain symptoms to look out for:

1. A lump or swelling in the neck.
2. Trouble breathing or swallowing.
3. Hoarseness or voice changes.
4. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

What are the Different Stages of Thyroid Cancer?

Staging for thyroid cancer is complex and depends on the patient's age and the specific type of cancer. For the most common types in patients under 55, staging is primarily based on whether the cancer is confined to the thyroid or has spread. For older patients or more aggressive types, the size of the tumor and extent of spread are considered.

Here’s a simple look at each stage of thyroid cancer:

• Stage 1: The cancer is confined to the thyroid gland.
• Stage 2:May start spreading to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Has reached nearby tissues and possibly more lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Has advanced and spread to distant organs such as the lungs or bones.

How to Detect if Thyroid Cancer Has Spread?

When thyroid cancer spreads (metastasizes), it may cause symptoms related to the new location. For example, spread to the lungs might cause a persistent cough or shortness of breath, while spread to the bones might cause pain or fractures. The general symptoms listed (fatigue, weight loss) are non-specific and can have many causes; they are not reliable signs of metastasis on their own.

If a person is experiencing thyroid cancer neck pain symptoms, don't ignore them—early diagnosis can save lives.

What are the Symptoms of Advanced Thyroid Cancer?

When thyroid cancer becomes advanced, it can spread from the thyroid to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. The lungs, liver, and bones are the most frequently affected areas.

Based on where the cancer has reached, an individual might experience symptoms of thyroid cancer such as:

1. Reduced appetite
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Pain in specific areas of the body

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

If a person has a thyroid lump or other symptoms of thyroid cancer, the doctor may recommend a few tests to find out the main reason. Here are some common tests that help detect thyroid cancer symptoms:

• Blood Tests: These check the thyroid hormone levels to see if the thyroid is working normally.
• Imaging Scans: PET scans, CT scans, and radioactive iodine scans are used to find cancer and detect if it has spread to other areas of the body.
• Radioiodine Scan: A radioiodine scan is not typically the first test used for diagnosis. The initial evaluation of a thyroid nodule involves an ultrasound. If the ultrasound looks suspicious, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is performed to check for cancer cells. Radioiodine scans are more commonly used after a cancer diagnosis to see if it has spread and to guide radioiodine treatment.
• Biopsy: A fine needle biopsy takes a small tissue sample from the thyroid to check for cancer cells. If required, a sentinel node biopsy is performed to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. These procedures are often guided by ultrasound for accuracy.

How is Thyroid Cancer Treated or Managed?

Thyroid cancer treatment generally depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other areas. Here are the most common treatment options:

• Surgery: It is the primary method used to treat thyroid cancer. A surgeon may remove part of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the entire gland (thyroidectomy). Cancerous lymph nodes close to the thyroid may also be removed during surgery.
• Chemotherapy: These drugs are taken orally or intravenously (IV) to kill cancer cells. It’s rarely needed for thyroid cancer.
• Hormone Therapy: For thyroid cancer, the primary form of hormone therapy is called Thyroid Hormone Suppression Therapy. After the thyroid is surgically removed, patients take a synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine). This serves two critical purposes: it replaces the essential hormones the body can no longer produce, and it suppresses the pituitary gland's production of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Keeping TSH levels low is crucial because high TSH can stimulate the growth of any remaining thyroid cancer cells.
• Radioiodine Therapy: The patient swallows a pill or liquid containing a high dose of radioactive iodine, which specifically attacks and eliminates cancer cells in the thyroid while causing little effect on the rest of the body.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment generally uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be external (from a machine) or internal (placing radioactive material near the tumor).

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but most cases of thyroid cancer are highly treatable. The doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the patient’s specific type of thyroid cancer.

After treatment, the patient might need to take thyroid hormone pills for life to keep their body functions running smoothly-these usually cause little to no side effects. Routine health check-ups will also support ongoing monitoring and recovery.