Thyroid cancer : 10 warning signs
Updated: 4 days ago
Thyroid Cancer Warning Signs
1. Thyroid nodule:
The most common presentation and type of thyroid cancer is a nodule in the thyroid gland. Cancerous nodules tend to be harder, more fixed, larger and more irregular than non cancerous nodules.
thyroid ultrasound showing right thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is also highly likely in a patient who has a thyroid nodule and has:
2. Lymph nodes:
Metastatic lymph nodes from malignant thyroid tumour are frequently cystic and can often appear lower in the neck than metastases from other head and neck primary sites. The nodes are usually large, round and have loss of the normal architecture. The appearance on ultrasound often mimics the appearance of the primary cancer and punctate echogenic foci (PEF) appearing as small bright flecks can often be seen.
metastatic left level 2 neck lymph node
3. Hoarse Voice:
Less commonly thyroid cancer treatment can invade surrounding structures and the most common structure is the recurrent laryngeal nerve that supplies muscles of the voice box. This can lead to a breathy and hoarse voice.
4. Haemoptysis (coughing up blood):
The trachea (windpipe) is the next most commonly invaded structure and invasion of this can lead to bleeding
5. Stridor (noisy breathing) and shortness of breath:
Also caused by tracheal invasion
6. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing):
Invasion of the Oesophagus can lead to increasing difficulty swallowing. This is relatively uncommon and usually the muscle of the oesophagus is involved and not the mucosal lining.
7. Family history of Thyroid cancer:
A patient with a strong family history of thyroid malignancy and a nodule has a higher risk of thyroid cancer. Particularly in medullary thyroid cancer. This is far less of an issue in papillary cancer unless there are 3 first degree relatives in a family with the diagnosis.
8. History of radiation to neck:
A patient with a thyroid nodule and a history of previous therapeutic or environmental radiation exposure particularly in childhood is at much higher risk of having thyroid malignancy. Populations who live in iodine deficient areas and around volcanoes are also at much higher risk of thyroid cancers.
9. Ultrasound risk features:
A thyroid nodule that is solid, hypoechoic ( darker on ultrasound), has an irregular margin, is taller than wide in shape and has multiple punctate echogenic foci is high risk for being a thyroid cancer. These features are used in scoring systems that are used as risk assessment tools for thyroid nodules to determine which should be biopsied or observed and which can be ignored. One such system in common use in Auckland is the TIRADS system.
10. Diarrhoea:
Patients with a thyroid nodule and persistent diarrhoea may have medullary thyroid cancer with an elevated calcitonin level that leads to the diarrhoea. These patient will also usually have an elevated CEA level which is a non specific marker for cancer. Please refer early for assessment with Examination, laryngeal endoscopy, ultrasound and FNA biopsy all available in one stop at Dr Chaplin's practice at Mauranui Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Thyroid Cancer in womens?
The symptoms of thyroid cancer are generally the same in women and men. Thyroid cancer may cause no symptoms in its early stages, but possible signs include:
A lump or swelling in the neck
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
A persistent cough that is not due to a cold
Pain in the neck, sometimes extending towards the ears
Thyroid cancer is more common in women, but being female does not produce a different set of warning symptoms. Many thyroid nodules and neck lumps are benign, so these symptoms do not by themselves mean cancer is present.
How fast does Thyroid Cancer spreads?
The speed at which thyroid cancer spreads depends largely on the type of thyroid cancer and its individual characteristics. Most papillary thyroid cancers grow slowly and may remain confined to the thyroid for years, although some can spread to nearby lymph nodes.
What is the survival rate for Thyroid Cancer?
Thyroid cancer generally has an excellent prognosis, particularly when it is diagnosed while still confined to the thyroid. The latest data show an overall 5-year relative survival of about 98%, although the outlook varies considerably depending on the type of thyroid cancer and whether it has spread.
How is thyroid Cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the type of thyroid cancer, its size, whether it has spread, and the individual's circumstances. Surgery is the main treatment for most thyroid cancers and may involve removing part or all of the thyroid, sometimes along with nearby lymph nodes.
What is the survival rate of Thyroid Cancer by age?
Age is an important factor when assessing the outlook for thyroid cancer, with younger people generally having better outcomes than older patients. However, there is no single survival rate that applies to every age group because prognosis also depends heavily on the cancer type, stage, and whether it has spread.
How to check yourself for Thyroid Cancer?
There is no reliable home test for diagnosing thyroid cancer, and routine self-screening is not recommended for most people. However, you should be aware of changes in your neck, such as a new or growing lump, swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or unexplained neck pain.
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