What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer

Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump in the neck, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. Different types of thyroid cancer have different symptoms.

1. Differentiated thyroid cancer: This type of thyroid cancer has a high incidence, but often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Many patients discover abnormalities during routine physical examinations. Over time, if the tumor grows, it may compress surrounding tissues, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness and difficulty breathing. Although metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes and distant sites may occur in rare cases, the prognosis of this type is relatively good.

2. Undifferentiated thyroid cancer: Although this type of thyroid cancer has a low incidence, it is highly malignant and has a relatively poor prognosis. Patients often find that the neck mass grows rapidly in a short period of time, and the mass feels hard and has limited mobility. This rapid growth and hard texture make undifferentiated thyroid cancer easier to detect.

3. Hoarseness: Hoarseness is a common symptom regardless of the type of thyroid cancer. This is because the thyroid gland is located near the larynx. When the tumor grows, it may compress the recurrent laryngeal nerve, thus affecting the normal function of the vocal cords.

4. Difficulty breathing and swallowing: As the thyroid tumor continues to grow, it may compress the trachea and esophagus, causing difficulty breathing and swallowing. This feeling of pressure usually worsens as the tumor grows.

5. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: In some cases, thyroid cancer may spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing swollen lymph nodes. This is more common in anaplastic thyroid cancer.

6. Other symptoms: Although less common, thyroid cancer may also cause other systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, etc. These symptoms are often non-specific and may be confused with other health problems.

In daily life, it is very important to stay alert. If you find an abnormal lump in your neck, or experience symptoms such as hoarseness or difficulty breathing, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis. Regular physical examinations are also one of the effective ways to detect thyroid cancer.

Knowing the symptoms of thyroid cancer can help us identify potential health problems early and take necessary measures to intervene. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to changes in the body are important strategies for preventing and coping with thyroid cancer.