What are the early symptoms of thyroid cancer?

The initial symptoms of thyroid cancer may manifest as neck lumps, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or neck pain. These symptoms may not be obvious, but if they persist or gradually worsen, medical attention should be sought promptly for ultrasound, biopsy, or other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

1. Neck Lumps or Nodules: One of the early signs of thyroid cancer is the appearance of neck lumps or nodules. These nodules are usually hard in texture, move with swallowing, but do not disappear. Although most thyroid nodules are benign, rapid growth, hardness, or slight pain in a nodule should be a cause for concern. It is advisable to undergo thyroid ultrasound as soon as possible and decide on the need for a biopsy based on medical advice.

2. Hoarseness: Early thyroid cancer may compress the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness or changes in voice. Especially when hoarseness persists for weeks or even longer without obvious symptoms of pharyngitis, it may be one of the early signs. Prompt examination of the larynx by an otolaryngologist is necessary.

3. Swallowing or Respiratory Difficulties: If the lump gradually increases in size, it may compress surrounding tissues, causing difficulty swallowing or a feeling of suffocation. This situation requires high attention as it may indicate a more serious thyroid condition, and medical attention should be sought immediately for imaging examinations such as CT scans.

4. Local Pain or Swollen Lymph Nodes: Early thyroid cancer may cause local neck pain or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This usually suggests that cancer cells may have started to spread, necessitating further pathological testing to determine the extent of the lesion.

Seeking medical attention as soon as early symptoms are detected is crucial. Routine tests such as thyroid function tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and thyroid biopsy can confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan based on staging. Early thyroid cancer is usually effectively treated with surgical resection, such as partial or total thyroidectomy, followed by radioactive iodine therapy to prevent recurrence.

Neck lumps or hoarseness, which may seem benign, could hide more serious health issues. If similar symptoms appear, they should not be ignored or delayed. Prompt professional examination and intervention are crucial for treatment effectiveness. Health is everyone's responsibility. Being observant of bodily signals builds the first line of defense for one's health.