Thyroid cancer can be detected early through 5 symptoms

A small lump in the neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat that doesn't go away, weight loss, and fatigue are signs of thyroid cancer that are not detected early.

Sudden weight loss and feeling tired can also be signs of thyroid cancer. (Illustration image created by AI)

Thyroid cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissue of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. Although it is a rare cancer, the number of cases has been on the rise recently.

If detected early, thyroid cancer is often treatable. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.

The disease can appear at any age, but is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 60. Below are 5 early warning signs of thyroid cancer that many people often ignore.

Small lump or swelling in the neck

The first and most common sign is a lump or swelling in the front, lower neck. This lump is usually painless and grows slowly, so it can easily go unnoticed, even for years.

Usually, the tumor is firmer than the surrounding tissue, not soft and does not move when touched. Because it does not cause discomfort, many people are subjective, thinking it is not worth worrying about. However, any new tumor in the neck area, no matter how small, should be checked early, even if it may be due to a benign cause such as a cyst or goiter.

Prolonged hoarseness

When a tumor presses on the nerve that controls the vocal cords, the voice may become hoarse or change. This symptom can be mistaken for a sore throat, allergies, or fatigue from talking too much.

However, if hoarseness persists for several weeks without improvement, it is necessary to see a doctor. Unlike a common sore throat, hoarseness caused by thyroid cancer often does not improve with medication.

Difficulty swallowing or breathing

As the tumor grows, it can put pressure on the esophagus or windpipe, leading to a feeling of obstruction, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. The person may feel as if something is stuck in the throat or wheeze.

These symptoms are often mistaken for acid reflux, sore throat or allergies, so they are easily overlooked. Because they progress slowly, patients often do not think about the possibility of being related to cancer.

Persistent neck or throat pain

A dull ache in the front of the neck or throat, sometimes radiating to the ear, can also be a warning sign. While neck pain is a common symptom of many minor illnesses, such as the flu or muscle strain, if the pain persists for an unknown reason, especially if it is not related to an infection, the person should be evaluated by a doctor.

Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue

In its advanced stages, thyroid cancer can affect the entire body. Sudden weight loss without dieting or constant fatigue can be signs that the disease has spread or is affecting your metabolism.

These symptoms are often mistaken for stress or other medical conditions, so they are easily overlooked. However, if this condition persists, medical evaluation is needed.

Early detection - high chance of successful treatment

If diagnosed early, thyroid cancer can be treated with methods such as surgery, radioactive iodine treatment and hormone replacement therapy. Recognizing and treating the signs early can increase survival rates and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/co-the-som-phat-hien-ung-thu-tuyen-giap-qua-5-bieu-hien-318218.html