What are the symptoms of thyroid tumor

The occurrence of thyroid tumors is often not discovered in time by many patients because in most cases there are no conscious signs. However, as the tumor continues to grow, it will compress the trachea, causing local pain. This disease also has the potential to become cancerous.

1. No subjective symptoms

Except for functionally autonomous thyroid adenomas, most benign thyroid tumors are solitary thyroid nodules, and a few are multiple nodules. The disease progresses slowly and there may be no clinical symptoms. Most cases are discovered over months to years or even longer due to slight discomfort or a lump that is larger than 1 cm. There may be no symptoms at all and a lump in the neck may be discovered during a routine physical examination using B-ultrasound. Most of them are single, round or oval, with a smooth surface, clear boundaries, solid texture, no adhesion to surrounding tissues, no tenderness, and can move up and down with swallowing. The tumor is usually several centimeters in size, and giant tumors are rare. A huge tumor may cause compression of adjacent organs but will not invade these organs, such as compressing the trachea and causing organ displacement. In a few cases, the tumor will suddenly increase in size and be accompanied by local swelling and pain due to intratumoral bleeding.

2. Functionally autonomous thyroid adenoma

It is more common in women. Patients often have a long history of thyroid nodules. In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms or only mild palpitations, weight loss, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, patients show varying degrees of thyroid poisoning symptoms. Most patients show symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and some may experience hyperthyroid crisis.

3. Cancer

Some thyroid adenomas may become cancerous. The possibility of cancer should be considered in the following cases:

(1) The tumor has rapidly grown in size in the recent period;

(2) The tumor is restricted in movement or fixed;

(3) Symptoms of compression such as hoarseness and difficulty breathing occur;

(4) The tumor is firm and has a rough surface;

(5) Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.