7 signs that your thyroid gland is turning cancerous

The thyroid gland takes care of some of the primary functions of regulation of metabolism and growth and development. Changes, however, in the overall health of your thyroid gland at times lead to serious conditions, such as thyroid cancer. The discovery of these alarming signs may often save lives because early detection becomes the first objective of treatment. Here are seven signs that suggest a thyroid may turn cancerous:

1. There is a permanent lump or swelling in the neck

One of the most common early signs of thyroid cancer is the appearance of a painless lump or nodule in the neck. A significant lump or swelling in the neck, especially on the thyroid area, may be a sign of thyroid nodule. This lump may appear suddenly and can grow in size over time. While most thyroid lumps are benign, any unexplained growth in the neck should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Since most nodules are benign, some others could be cancerous. Hence, medical evaluation is required to rule out cancer.

2. Trouble swallowing or breathing

According to Dr. Bhavna Bansal, Senior Consultant and HOD, Histopathology Oncquest Laboratories, “One may struggle to swallow or breathe due to the pressure exerted by the tumour on the oesophagus or windpipe, and one should never ignore this symptom. An enlarged thyroid gland can press against the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This pressure can make swallowing difficult or uncomfortable, especially with larger pieces of food or liquids. In severe cases, the

difficulty swallowing

may persist and become more noticeable.”

3. Hoarseness or voice change

If thyroid cancer affects the nerves that control the vocal cords, it can lead to hoarseness, a raspy voice, or other changes in your normal speaking voice. These changes might become more pronounced over time, particularly when the cancer is located near the vocal cords or as the tumor grows larger. Persistent hoarseness or a change in the voice may be a symptom of thyroid cancer, especially if the tumour affects the vocal cords.

4. Lump that grows rapidly

A lump that grows rapidly within a short time is a red flag. Unlike benign nodules, cancerous growths tend to enlarge rapidly.

5. Unexplained neck pain

According to Dr Vishal Rao, Director of Head and Neck Surgical oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, KR Road, Bangalore, “Persistent pain in the neck or throat, especially if it is not linked to a cold or other common illnesses, could indicate thyroid cancer. This pain may worsen if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which can lead to further irritation in the neck and throat. Pain in the neck or throat that doesn’t go away and can’t be explained by other causes may be a symptom.”

6. Swollen lymph nodes

The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple at the front of the neck. If it becomes enlarged due to cancer, it can cause noticeable swelling in the neck area. This swelling may be visible, and in some cases, it could put pressure on nearby structures, leading to discomfort.

Enlarged lymph nodes

close to the thyroid gland may be an indication of thyroid cancer spreading to the surrounding tissues.

Breathing problems

As the thyroid gland grows, it can also exert pressure on the trachea (windpipe), which may lead to breathing difficulties. This may be particularly noticeable when you are physically active, or in more advanced cases, even at rest. If breathing becomes difficult or labored, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Chronic cough

A chronic cough that doesn’t go away and isn’t related to a common cold or infection may be a symptom of thyroid cancer. This persistent cough may not produce mucus and could be associated with irritation caused by the growth of a thyroid tumor pressing on nearby structures, including the windpipe.
If one has a family history of thyroid cancer or genetic disorders like MEN2 syndrome, the risk is higher, and one should be screened regularly. However, the symptoms alone cannot confirm whether the individual is afflicted with cancer or not until and unless the oncologist observes positive signs in diagnostic test reports. Diagnostic tests for detecting thyroid cancer involve a combination of examinations such as ultrasound, fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, and advanced imaging techniques like CT, MRI, or PET scans to help determine the extent of the disease. Early detection through these tests can significantly improve treatment outcomes.