Thyroid cancer happens in a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. This gland, called the thyroid, helps control many body functions, such as metabolism and growth. Sometimes, thyroid cancer grows slowly, and you may not notice any changes at first. But catching it early can improve your treatment outcomes. Below, we will look at six important signs of thyroid cancer. If you notice any of these signs, talk to a healthcare professional right away.

1. A Noticeable Lump in the Neck

One of the most common warning signs is a lump or swelling at the front of your neck. You might feel it when you touch the area around your Adam’s apple. This lump can sometimes grow quickly, but it can also stay small for a long time without being noticed. Having a lump in your neck does not always mean you have thyroid cancer, but it is best to see a doctor if you find any unusual bumps.

A simple way to check at home is to stand in front of a mirror, tilt your head back, and swallow water. Watch your neck as you swallow. If you see a bump moving up and down, you should have it evaluated by a medical professional.

2. Changes in Your Voice

Voice changes can happen because of colds, allergies, or other common reasons. But if your voice becomes hoarse or raspy and stays that way for more than a few weeks, it could be due to a problem with your thyroid. A growing tumor in the thyroid can press on the nerves that control your voice box. This pressure might lead to a constant change in your voice. If your hoarseness continues and you have no other clear cause, see a healthcare provider.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

Another sign of thyroid cancer is trouble swallowing, also called dysphagia. You may feel like solid foods get stuck in your throat. Over time, you might also struggle to swallow liquids. This issue can happen if a tumor grows large enough to push on your esophagus. Some people try to manage by eating softer foods or taking smaller bites, but if you have ongoing problems swallowing, you should talk to a doctor.

4. Neck or Throat Pain

Pain in the neck or throat can happen for many reasons, such as infections or muscle strain. But if this pain persists and does not have a clear cause, it could signal a thyroid issue. Thyroid tumors can cause a dull ache or sharp pain in the front of your neck. Sometimes, this pain might spread to your ears or jaw. If the discomfort does not go away, you should have it checked out.

5. A Persistent Cough

Many people get coughs due to colds, allergies, or respiratory infections. Those coughs usually clear up after a week or two. A cough linked to thyroid cancer often does not improve over time and may not come with other typical cold symptoms, like a runny nose or fever. If you have a long-lasting cough, especially one that seems unrelated to any infection or allergy, mention it to your doctor.

6. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that help your body fight infections. You can find them in many areas of your neck. When your body senses a threat, such as an infection or certain cancers, these nodes can become larger. In thyroid cancer, swollen lymph nodes might appear around the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears. If these nodes stay swollen or keep growing, it is wise to seek medical care. Though swollen lymph nodes do not always mean cancer, it is better to rule out serious issues early.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these signs for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels or imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. If these tests suggest something abnormal, you may need a biopsy, where a small piece of the lump or tissue is removed for study.

If you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, or other methods, depending on the tumor’s size and type. Your doctor will work with you to find the best plan.

Prevention and Monitoring

There is no guaranteed way to prevent thyroid cancer. But regular checkups may help your doctor spot early signs. During a routine exam, your doctor can feel your neck for lumps or nodules. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you might consider seeing a specialist for genetic testing or more frequent screenings. Staying on top of your appointments is a good way to watch for any changes in your thyroid.

Takeaways

Thyroid cancer can be hard to detect at first because the signs may seem minor or unrelated. Keep an eye out for neck lumps, ongoing hoarseness, and trouble swallowing. Neck or throat pain that lasts, a persistent cough, and swollen lymph nodes can also point to a thyroid problem. If you notice any of these signs, do not wait—see your doctor.