Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid cancer often has few signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they vary from person to person. They may include:
- A lump or nodule in the front of the neck
- An enlarged thyroid or swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck that may stretch to the ears
- Change in voice or hoarseness
- Breathing problems, especially the feeling that you are breathing through a straw
- A cough that does not go away and is not caused by a cold
- A cough with blood
- Swallowing problems.
Most patients with these symptoms do not have thyroid cancer. However, it is important to discuss any signs or symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.
Some cases of thyroid cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
Pictures of thyroid cancer lumps
Thyroid cancer often has no symptoms when it is diagnosed. It may present as mild neck swelling (as seen on the patient’s left) or a palpable nodule.
The same mass shown from the side.
A larger thyroid mass. The bruise is caused by a needle biopsy of the tumor.
Lymph nodes around the thyroid or on the side of the neck (such as the distinct mass in the middle of the neck) can be affected by thyroid cancer.