What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer may cause a lump in the neck, swelling near the thyroid, persistent hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or breathing difficulty, although some people have no symptoms at first. The thyroid sits at the front of the neck, so changes may be noticed while looking in a mirror, shaving, dressing or swallowing. Symptoms can also arise when a growth presses on nearby structures. A thyroid lump is often caused by something other than cancer, but a new or changing lump still deserves clinical assessment.

A neck lump or fullness may be felt low in the front of the neck and may move when you swallow. Enlarged lymph nodes can create another lump in the side of the neck. Hoarseness, a weaker voice or a voice that does not return to its usual quality may occur when nearby nerves or tissues are affected. Some people notice a persistent cough, throat pressure or discomfort. Changes in thyroid hormone production are not a reliable way to identify thyroid cancer; many people with thyroid cancer do not have obvious hormone symptoms.

Symptoms alone cannot diagnose the cause. A clinician may examine the neck and arrange tests such as an ultrasound; further assessment depends on what is found.

Arrange a medical appointment for a new neck lump, a lump that is enlarging, persistent hoarseness, or ongoing difficulty swallowing. Note when the change began, whether it is becoming more noticeable, and whether you have pain, cough or pressure. Bring a list of medicines and any previous thyroid investigations. A clinician can decide whether you need referral for an ultrasound or specialist review.

Do not try to diagnose a thyroid lump by feeling it repeatedly. If thyroid cancer is confirmed, treatment choices may include thyroid removal surgery, radioactive iodine therapy or other approaches selected for the individual cancer.

Seek urgent medical help if a neck swelling is making it hard to breathe, you cannot swallow fluids, or your breathing becomes noisy or rapidly worse. A rapidly enlarging swelling, marked new neck pain, or sudden voice change also needs prompt assessment. These symptoms can have causes other than thyroid cancer, but breathing or swallowing problems should not wait for a routine appointment.

Useful questions include: What could be causing this neck lump or voice change? Do I need an ultrasound or another test? Which symptoms should prompt urgent help? If cancer is found, what treatment options fit its type and location? How will my thyroid function be checked during care? What follow-up will I need after treatment?