By Dr. P. Gould
Thyroid cancer affects the tissues of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the throat, below the thyroid cartilage (otherwise known as the Adam’s apple).
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing several important hormones, such as the thyroid hormone, which is involved in controlling body temperature, weight, energy level and heart rate. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which helps the body use calcium.
There are several different types:
Papillary carcinoma is the most common type, accounting for approximately 80 percent of cases. Papillary carcinomas are slow-growing, differentiated cancers that develop from follicular cells and can develop in one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. This type of cancer may spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck, but it is generally treatable.
Follicular carcinoma is the second most common type, and accounts for approximately one out of 10 cases. It is found more frequently in countries with an inadequate dietary intake of iodine.
Hürthle cell carcinoma, also known as oxyphil cell carcinoma, is a subtype of follicular carcinoma, and accounts for approximately three percent of all thyroid cancers.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma develops from C cells in the thyroid gland, and is more aggressive and less differentiated than papillary or follicular cancers. It accounts for approximately four percent of all thyroid cancers.
Anaplastic carcinoma is the most undifferentiated type, meaning that it looks the least like normal cells of the thyroid gland. As a result, it is a very aggressive form of cancer that quickly spreads to other parts of the neck and body. It occurs in approximately two percent of thyroid cancer cases.
The most common early sign is an unusual lump, nodule or swelling in the neck. If you notice a new or growing lump, you should see your doctor, who can run additional tests to identify the cause. Most nodules on the thyroid are usually benign, but it is important to have any unusual growths examined by a health care professional.
Other possible symptoms include:
Neck Pain. In many cases, neck pain starts in the front. In some cases the neck pain may extend all the way to the ears.
Voice Changes. Experiencing hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away could be a sign.
Breathing Problems. Sometimes thyroid cancer patients say it feels like they are breathing through a straw. This breathing difficulty is often a symptom of the disease.
Coughing. A cough that continues and is not related to a cold.
Trouble Swallowing. A growth or nodule on the thyroid gland may interfere with swallowing.
Medullary thyroid cancer symptoms:
A nodule (lump) on the upper part of your thyroid gland (75% to 95% of people have this at diagnosis)
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck (70% of people have this at diagnosis)
In rare cases, an enlarged thyroid nodule can cause: Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing issues
According to the Cleveland Clinic, medullary thyroid cancer often shows symptoms long after they develop, as the tumor remains small for an extended period.
Papillary thyroid cancer symptoms:
The primary sign of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a painless lump or nodule on the thyroid gland. According to the Cleveland Clinic, papillary thyroid cancer typically does not cause any additional symptoms.
In rare instances, you might experience pain in your neck, jaw, or ear due to PTC. If the nodule is large enough to compress the windpipe or esophagus, it could lead to difficulties with breathing or swallowing.