Could it Be Thyroid Cancer? A Review of Common Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

Even as most other types of cancer have declined in recent years, thyroid cancer cases have dramatically increased in number. Between the thirty-year period from 1972 to 2002, diagnoses of thyroid cancer nearly doubled in the United States alone. According to public health data, American doctors diagnose nearly 32,000 cases of thyroid cancer each year. Approximately 1500 deaths from thyroid cancer are recorded annually in the United States.

Scientists are split on the question of why thyroid cancer rates are increasing. Some have contended that factors like pollution or other environmental contaminants may be to blame, while others assert that advances in diagnostic procedures are behind the dramatic increase in thyroid cancer rates. The controversy has sparked a great deal of research interest in recent years.

As with all cancer diagnoses, the earlier thyroid cancer can be diagnosed, the more likely it is that the patient will have a favorable outcome. In order to boost the likelihood that you would be able to beat thyroid cancer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common signs and symptoms of the disease. This week, we’ll take a look at some of the most frequently cited early symptoms of thyroid cancer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

Every case of thyroid cancer proceeds differently, so it can be difficult to predict the way that each individual will experience the first signs of the disease. In many cases, the patient may not notice any early symptoms at all. In other cases, the symptoms of thyroid cancer may begin so gradually that they might be easy to miss.

Individuals with thyroid cancer experience abnormal cell growth in the area of the thyroid gland. In some cases, this cell growth results in small nodules on the surface of the thyroid gland, while in other cases, it can cause large tumors that can deform the gland. That is why the symptoms experienced by the patient often relate to the changes in the shape and size of the thyroid gland that have been caused by abnormal cell growth.

Symptoms that could indicate thyroid cancer include:

• A lump, bump, or unusual shape in your neck, directly beneath the “Adam’s apple” area
• Hoarseness or a change in voice that doesn’t go away
• Trouble swallowing or a persistent feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• Difficulty breathing or a feeling that you can’t catch your breath
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes, particularly in the neck area
• Sudden or ongoing pain in the throat and neck, sometimes radiating as far as your ears

Remember, even if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, that’s not a certain sign that you have thyroid cancer. Only a licensed physician is equipped to offer a personalized diagnosis. However, if you are experiencing any of these signs, or if you have begun to notice a general decline in your overall health, it’s crucial that you visit your doctor as soon as possible to determine whether thyroid cancer could be to blame. It is, quite literally, a matter of life or death. The earlier you address your health problems, the better your prognosis will be.

Understanding Thyroid Cancer Risk

Considering the mysterious increase in thyroid cancer that has occurred in recent years, it is important for everyone to be aware of the major symptoms of the disease. However, it is especially important to be vigilant for signs of thyroid cancer if you happen to fall into a high-risk category. People with certain health backgrounds and other factors stand a much greater chance of developing the disease.

Major risk factors for thyroid cancer include:

• Exposure to radiation, especially in early childhood
• Female sex
• A family history of thyroid cancer or other thyroid problems
• Genetic disorders such as Gardner's syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or Cowden’s disease
• A history of pregnancy past the age of 30
• Age: some thyroid cancers tend to strike children and young adults, while others are concentrated in the 50+ age group
• Demographic group: Caucasians are much more likely to develop thyroid cancer than those of other races

If you’re concerned about thyroid cancer, talk to your doctor for an in-depth evaluation of your risk profiled. And please don’t forget to check back each week for more of the thyroid health news you need.