Blog

Thyroid cancer is a form of cancer that develops from the tissues in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the lower neck (below the Adam's apple).The thyroid gland produces several important hormones that regulate the body in different ways. It controls the body temperature, weight, energy levels, and heart rate.

How Thyroid Cancer Impacts the Body

Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells in the thyroid tissue mutate and multiply, forming malignant lumps or nodules. Cancer can affect the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones properly. As a result, metabolism and energy levels are affected.

Because the thyroid influences many organs, cancer may indirectly affect bodily functions like breathing and heart rhythm. As it progresses, the cancer may invade nearby neck structures and spread (metastasize) to distant organs like lungs, liver, and bones via the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to additional symptoms.

First Signs of Thyroid Cancer

• Swelling: An early sign of thyroid cancer is an unusual lump, nodule or swelling in the neck. Most nodules on the thyroid are benign, but it’s important to have any nodules or growths examined by a doctor.
• Neck Pain: Neck pain can start from the front and may extend all the way to the ears.
• Voice Changes: Hoarseness and other voice changes that do not go away after a certain time could be a sign of thyroid cancer.
• Breathing Problems: Breathing difficulty is often a symptom of the disease.
• Coughing: A cough that persists, that isn't connected to a cold or other respiratory issue.
• Trouble Swallowing: A growth or nodule that interferes with swallowing.

Signs of Thyroid Cancer in Women​

While neck lumps and voice changes are common symptoms for both men and women, fatigue tends to be a more pronounced early sign in women, making it a key indicator to watch for. Women may experience other “more subtle” symptoms of thyroid cancer besides fatigue, like changes in hair, nails, or skin, and health complaints that are often mistaken for aging, stress, or diet-related issues. Thyroid nodules are common in women, particularly between ages 30 and 60, but only a small percentage turn cancerous.

Signs That Thyroid Cancer Has Spread

When thyroid cancer spreads (a process called metastasis), it often moves to the lungs, liver, or bones, causing problems related to those organs, such as difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, or bone pain. Signs that thyroid cancer has spread may include:

• Swelling or lumps on the sides of the neck (enlarged lymph nodes)
• Pain in the areas affected by cancer
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

How to Test for Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam, where the doctor checks for any lumps or abnormalities in the neck. After the initial examination, blood tests are conducted to evaluate hormone levels and identify potential issues.Your doctor then uses imaging techniques (like an ultrasound) to get a closer look at the thyroid and surrounding areas and detect any suspicious nodules. If a nodule is found, the next step is usually a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, in which a small sample of cells is taken from the nodule for examination under a microscope.

Found a Nodule? Don’t Wait

If you’ve discovered a nodule in your neck, don’t wait to get it checked. While many thyroid nodules are benign, some can be cancerous, and early detection is key to successful treatment. At Northwest ENT, we offer minimally invasive testing options, such as ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies, which can help identify whether the nodule is cancerous without the need for extensive surgery.

Dr. Shatul L. Parikh, Director of the Northwest Thyroid Center, is a recognized leader in thyroid care with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions. His expertise ensures that you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options available. Don’t wait— schedule an appointment today at a Northwest ENT clinic in Georgia.