What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
Thyroid nodules (lumps) are common, but are usually not cancer. When a thyroid nodule is found, an ultrasound of the thyroid and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy are often done to check for signs of cancer.
The most common symptoms of thyroid cancer are:
- a lump or swelling in the neck or throat
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing – this is called dysphagia
- a hoarse voice or a cough that doesn’t go away
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just thyroid cancer. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor.
National Cancer Institute. Thyroid cancer treatment (PDQ): patient version.
Brennan M, French J. Thyroid lumps and bumps. Australian Family Physician 2007;36(7):531–536.