Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & What to Know

In the United States, 20,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck. Thyroid cancer is more common in older adults, women and Caucasians. Exposure to radiation and a family history of thyroid cancer are risk factors for thyroid cancer.

Problems Swallowing

• Due to the increased size of the thyroid, patients may have problems swallowing. Patients sometimes feel as though something is stuck in their throat.

Hoarseness

• Voice changes, including hoarseness, are common signs of thyroid cancer.

Pain

• Thyroid cancer can cause pain in the throat and neck. This pain can be made worse through simple acts like swallowing or talking.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Thyroid cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell. Swollen lymph nodes may be visible to the naked eye or felt on the side of a patient's neck.

Warning

• Thyroid cancer needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Many other conditions could be responsible for the common symptoms of thyroid cancer evident.