Thyroid Cancer Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Thyroid cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in America. The majority of cancer deaths are due to non-Hodgkins lymphoma and not cancerous cells. One common thread that all types of this disease have in common: they are all indications of cancer that came on suddenly, with no previous warning signs. Thyroid cancer symptoms are very distinct and can be readily recognized by someone who has been through it or is undergoing it.
Key Words: New And Consistent
Pay attention to your body. There are some consistent signs that should get your attention as possible early stage cancer. Before we list the cancer symptoms you should never ignore, be aware of any changes to your body. New and seemingly unimportant signs that last longer than usual should alert you to see Northwest Medical Specialties.
One example would be a person who never gets heartburn. If that person suddenly becomes symptomatic and it persists for several weeks, it could be the result of a new diet or possibly something more serious.
Dont ignore these symptoms.
Thyroid Cancer Is On The Rise
According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer has tripled over the last three decadesincidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer. Some good news: Lumps in the thyroid are common, and the majority are benign. Still, learn from my experience: If you have any of these symptoms, its important to see your doctor right away, in addition to these other cancer symptoms women are likely to ignore.
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Here Are Some Factors That May Increase The Risk Of Thyroid Cancer:
My Sneezing Coughing And Wheezing Seemed Like Springtime Allergy Symptomsbut They Turned Out To Be Thyroid Cancer
Courtesy Christine Coppa
In the spring of 2014, I started to feel under the weather. Since it was late April, I pegged all of my symptoms as allergies. I always experienced congestion, a scratchy cough, and watery eyes this time of year, when the smell of fresh-cut grass takes over and cherry blossom petals whirl like pink snow in the sky.
As a busy, working single mom with a five-year-old in kindergarten, I put off a trip to the doctor and stocked up on cough and eye drops, tissues, and allergy pills instead.
The meds didnt help. Was it a cold, I wondered? Or maybe I need allergy shots, I thought in between sneezes. It wasnt until a warm and dusty evening on the T-ball field watching my son that I finally got worried. He smacked the ball with all of his might and I let out a loud cheer: Go, buddy, go! Run!
Thats when I started coughing and couldnt stop. It was different than a tickle because I found myself struggling for breath. I was wheezing. I panicked, which only made the cough worse. A friend handed me a bottle of water and asked if I was OK. I struggled to take a sip, but thankfully got the water down. Similarly, this mans lingering cough turned out to be lung cancer.
I filled the prescription and diligently used the hand-held device, but it didnt help. In fact, I just got worse.
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Will I Be Able To See My Gp Or Go To Hospital On Day Of The Queens Funeral
I wanted to get everything checked for my own peace of mind.
I booked in with a specialist and immediately she told me she was very concerned due to where my lumps were located and referred me for an urgent biopsy and scans.
Fast forward two weeks and just before Easter weekend I had an appointment to see a consultant at the QE hospital who sat me down and told me that I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and that I would need surgery and radiotherapy treatment.
I never thought I would be told that I have cancer at the age of 28, you never think its going to happen to you.
She added: “If ever you find a lump or something unusual on your body, never just think it’s nothing, don’t be told that you’re fine by the GP and you’re ‘young’…
“Always get things checked out by a specialist if you can and insist on tests even if it turns out to be nothing, as catching things early is crucial for a good prognosis.
Abi, although thought to be too young to have cancer by her GP, is among those most likely to get thyroid cancer.
Its most common in those in their 30s , and almost three times as many women as men get the disease, the NHS says.
As Abi prepares to have surgery, read on for the symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Cancer Signals In Both Men And Women
Appetite loss. Many conditions, from depression to the flu, can make you feel less hungry. Cancer can have this effect by changing your metabolism, the way your body turns food into energy.
Stomach, pancreatic, colon, and ovarian cancers also can put pressure on your stomach and make you feel too full to eat.
Blood in the stool. Cancers can bleed, but so can a bunch of other things, like ulcers, hemorrhoids, infections, or a sore. When you see red in your poop, the blood is often from somewhere in your GI tract, meaning your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
One way to tell where the blood is coming from is by how light or dark it looks. Bright red could mean the bleeding is in your rectum or the end of your intestines. A darker color means it may be from higher up, like a stomach ulcer .
No matter what the cause, blood in your stool needs to be checked out. You may need a colonoscopy or other tests to find the problem.
Blood in the urine. When it shows up in your pee, blood could be a warning sign of a problem in your urinary tract. Kidney or bladder cancer can cause this symptom, but it could also be due to an infection, kidney stones, or kidney disease.
Cough that doesn’t go away. A cold or the flu can make you hack away, but it’s also a potential symptom of lung cancer, along with red flags like chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. See your doctor if you can’t seem to shake it, especially if you’re a smoker.
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I wanted to get everything checked for my own peace of mind.
I booked in with a specialist and immediately she told me she was very concerned due to where my lumps were located and referred me for an urgent biopsy and scans.
Fast forward two weeks and just before Easter weekend I had an appointment to see a consultant at the QE hospital who sat me down and told me that I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and that I would need surgery and radiotherapy treatment.
I never thought I would be told that I have cancer at the age of 28, you never think its going to happen to you.
She added: “If ever you find a lump or something unusual on your body, never just think it’s nothing, don’t be told that you’re fine by the GP and you’re ‘young’…
“Always get things checked out by a specialist if you can and insist on tests even if it turns out to be nothing, as catching things early is crucial for a good prognosis.
Abi, although thought to be too young to have cancer by her GP, is among those most likely to get thyroid cancer.
Its most common in those in their 30s , and almost three times as many women as men get the disease, the NHS says.
As Abi prepares to have surgery, read on for the symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Signs Of Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
Cancer is a devastating illness. Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells that affects the normal functioning of other cells and tissues. The Cancer cells are immature cells which do not have any functional value however, they compete for and consume most nutrients, depriving the healthy, functional cells of energy. This growth can occupy more space in the body, exerting pressure on the nearby organs, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to complications.
Cancer is of two types, namely the benign tumour and malignant form. The benign form is confined to only one place, whereas, a malignant form spreads to the other tissues and organs of the body.
Like any other chronic illness, cancer risk can be minimized cancer can be treated, if diagnosed early, and symptoms can be managed with various treatment modalities.
Cancer is a major health concern, affecting the normal life of an individual. Smoking and chewing of tobacco have turned out to be the most common risk factors associated with cancer. The most common types of cancer among men is oral cancer, while in women it is breast cancer.Cancer is curable and it can be conquered. Early detection can facilitate prompt treatment. There are common signs and symptoms of cancer, which if detected early, can save lives and improve survival.
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Blood In Your Pee Or Stool
These can be among the first signs of cancer of the bladder, kidneys, or colon. It’s a good idea to see your doctor for any bleeding thatâs not normal, even if you don’t have other symptoms, Lepor says. Although you’re more likely to have a problem that’s not cancer, like hemorrhoids or a urinary infection, it’s important to find and treat the cause.
Changes In Lymph Nodes
Tenderness of swelling in your lymph nodes, the small bean-shaped glands found in your neck, armpits, and other places, often signal that something’s going on in your body. Usually, it means your immune system is fighting a sore throat or cold, but certain cancers can also trigger the changes. Have your doctor check any swelling or tenderness that doesn’t get better in 2 to 4 weeks, Meyers says.
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What Are The Types Of Thyroid Cancer
Differentiated thyroid cancer accounts for well over 90 percent of thyroid cancers. It develops in the cells of the thyroid that are responsible for the usual functions of the thyroid gland, like producing and releasing hormones. Most differentiated thyroid cancers, and papillary thyroid cancer in particular, dont typically act in an aggressive way and arent unusual tumors, which means the prognosis is very good, says Dr. Tufano.
Medullary thyroid cancer doesnt originate in the usual thyroid cells but in what are called C cells. These cells produce a hormone called calcitonin, which for other animals is used to decrease calcium in the bloodstream, says Dr. Tufano. About 1/4 of patients with medullary cancer have inherited the condition, says Steven I. Sherman, MD, chair of the Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders department at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest and most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It develops when multiple additional genetic changes occur that turn differentiated cancerwhich is a disease where most people live long enough to die from something else and is very slow growinginto one of the most highly aggressive forms of cancer that we have today, period, says Dr. Sherman. Anaplastic thyroid cancer only occurs in about 1,000 people in the U.S. per year, he adds.
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How Is Thyroid Cancer Treated
Because theres such a wide range of thyroid cancers with varying degrees of aggression, how the cancer is treated is also pretty individualized.
For differentiated and medullary thyroid cancers, the primary treatment is surgical removal of half or all of the thyroid gland and, if needed, the lymph nodes in the region, says Dr. Sherman. Then, some patients will be treated with a follow-up of radioactive iodine, which is delivered in a pill that gets concentrated specifically in the thyroid cellsincluding those that are cancerousand eventually kills them off.
The next step for patients who have undergone surgical removal of their thyroid is to receive thyroid hormone medication to make up for what their body used to produce, says Dr. Sherman. For differentiated cancer, the traditional triad was surgery, radioactive iodine, and thyroid hormone therapy, he explains. We now are being more selective in who gets radioactive iodine, and who gets and how much surgery is performed.
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Treating anaplastic thyroid cancer, however, looks a little different because of its aggression. Although there used to be no treatment for this type of cancer, there are now chemotherapy options that can allow patients with this condition to live for up to one to two years with a good quality of life, says Dr. Sherman.
Early Warning Signs Of A Bad Thyroid To Never Ignore
What is the thyroid?
Our thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck, is responsible for releasing hormones that help to regulate our metabolism. Other vital functions the thyroid influences include:
- Body temperature
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Cholesterol levels
- Menstrual cycles
- Muscle strength
Lying near the front of the throat and beneath the Adams apple, the thyroid comprises two sides called lobes. These lobes are connected by a strip of tissues called the isthmus.
The total size of this glandular powerhouse? 2 inches.
How does the thyroid gland work?
Thyroid: a large ductless gland in the neck that secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism. ~ Oxford English Dictionary
The thyroid is a constituent of the endocrine system a collection of glands responsible for producing, storing, and releasing hormones into the bloodstream. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods we eat to manufacture two critical hormones, T3 and T4.
Thyroid hormone production is regulated via a feedback loop between the thyroid gland, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland two deeply entrenched, tiny areas of the brain.
The production of T3 and T4 hormones is a complex process. And as with anything complex, its not uncommon for thyroid problems to surface.
Signs of Thyroid Troubles
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A Large Lump At The Base Of Your Neck
This symptom is what some physicians will notice incidentally during a physical exam by feeling a lump in your thyroid gland, which is typically painless, says Dr. Tuttle. If youve received radiation to your neck, especially, keep in mind that youre more at risk for developing thyroid cancer, says Dr. Sherman, so talk with your physician about examining your neck to make sure youre not developing one of these cancerous lumps.
A Cough That Wont Quit
The barky, dry cough I had for weeks was an indicator I had a tumor in my neck. A persistent cough can be due to a thyroid mass pressing on the trachea or the windpipe, says Tom Thomas, MD, director of head and neck reconstructive surgery and transoral robotic surgery at Morristown Medical Center. He notes a cough by itself is not an indication that someone has a thyroid tumor. However, you should worry when a cough wont go away and get it checked out by your doctor.
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A Lump In Your Throat
We all get a lump in our throats from time to time, whether we’re re-watching The Notebook or going through a tough breakup. When you have what feels like a permanent one, however, it’s time to get that checked out. Thyroid, esophageal, and throat cancer can all present with a feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
The Importance Of Thyroid Symptoms You Can See
Doctors usually find thyroid cancer when patients are getting ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs for an unrelated reason, but the nodules will rarely cause problems, says Michael Tuttle, MD, an endocrinologist with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Patients can usually choose to keep an eye on the cancer and make sure it doesnt get worse rather than getting treatment right away, he says. I would ignore asymptomatic, millimeter-sized things that youd only find if youre looking for it, he says. But any signs or anything you can feel in the neck, that would cross over to something you should no longer ignore. If you have any of these potential thyroid cancer symptoms, ask your doctor if you should get a fine needle aspiration to test for cancer.
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