Health encyclopaedia

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Symptoms of Cancer of the thyroid

Symptoms of thyroid cancer can vary, depending on the type and spread.  The first sign is usually a single, firm painless lump in the neck, which gradually increases in size.

Further symptoms arise when the tumour presses on the: 

• trachea (windpipe) causing difficulty in breathing, 
• oesophagus (gullet) causing difficulty in swallowing, and
• nerves to the larynx (voice box) causing hoarseness or loss of voice.

Lymph nodes may become enlarged due to spread of the cancer to these nodes (Papillary).  Very rarely, secondary tumours in the bones or lungs may cause the first symptoms after the cancer (follicular) has spread beyond the thyroid.

Any lump found in the neck should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.  However, there are a number of more common benign conditions (eg goitre), which also cause a swelling in the neck.

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