The thyroid gland is a large, butterfly-shaped gland in the throat that is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate growth, development, heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Cancer that originates in the cells of this gland is known as thyroid cancer. In the early stages, individuals with thyroid cancer may not experience any visible symptoms. However, as the cancer grows and spreads, the following signs and symptoms may begin to appear-

1. Swollen lump on the neck- The most common, and perhaps the earliest, sign of thyroid cancer is the development of an unusual lump, nodule, or swelling in the neck. These can be felt through the skin, under the neck. While most nodules in the neck are typically benign, one must consult a health expert to examine the growth and check for underlying issues.The development of nodules or swelling in people under the age of 20 is a significant cause of concern, as these are rarely benign. Visit a healthcare practitioner immediately and promptly conduct all the recommended diagnostic tests for a quicker evaluation and treatment.

2. Fatigue- Another common early indicator of thyroid cancer is fatigue. However, it often goes unnoticed since this symptom is often associated with many other health conditions.
3. Swollen glands in the neck- As the cancer starts spreading to the lymph nodes, it could also trigger swelling in these areas. Alternatively, infection in the area may cause lymph nodes to swell up. As a result, close-fitting collared shirts may begin to feel too tight or constrictive.
4. Persistent cough- As the nodules continue to grow in the throat, they may cause irritation. It can cause a persistent cough that continues beyond regular colds, flu, and illnesses.
5. Neck pain- Swelling and inflammation around the neck may also give rise to neck pain. It generally starts in the front of the neck and may extend behind the ears as well.
6. Voice changes- Growing nodules can also increase pressure on the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. Over time, this can lead to significant changes in one’s voice.
7. Breathing problems- With thyroid cancer, one may also develop shortness of breath (dyspnea). This occurs due to the physical obstructions in the air pipe caused by an enlarged thyroid gland. Some people with thyroid cancer have likened this sensation to the feeling of breathing through a straw.
8. Trouble swallowing- Some people with thyroid cancer may also face trouble swallowing. It is known as dysphagia and can occur due to the obstruction of the thyroid gland, which inhibits the muscle’s ability to expand and contract normally.

It is pertinent to note that the symptoms mentioned above are not exclusive to thyroid cancer alone and may be an indicator of other health conditions. For a formal diagnosis, doctors must conduct a physical exam, evaluate medical history and exposure to risk factors such as radiation, measure blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and conduct ultrasound imaging. In some cases, they may also remove a sample of the thyroid tissue (a fine-needle aspiration biopsy), conduct a radioactive iodine scan, or order other imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRI) or genetic tests.