What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Lump or hoarse voice? Get it checked even if it seems minor

A woman feels her neck area for signs of thyroid problems.

Lump or hoarse voice? Get it checked even if it seems minor

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of cancer of the endocrine system in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 44,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. About 75% of these new cases will be in women.

 

In its early stage, thyroid cancer may not show any obvious signs or symptoms. In fact, it is often discovered by accident — during a routine checkup, an imaging test, or even when a friend or family member notices a lump in the neck. Because symptoms can be subtle and easy to ignore, many people don’t realize there may be a problem.


While thyroid cancer is not as common as other types of cancer, it is still a significant concern for those at risk. More than 2,000 related deaths are expected this year.


The good news is that improved testing and growing awareness of symptoms have helped more people catch thyroid cancer earlier, when it’s highly treatable and before it can spread to other parts of the body.

 

Thanks to these advances, treatment results have improved and most patients have successful treatment outcomes.

 

“Thyroid cancer has a good prognosis when caught and treated early,” says Christopher Marx, MD, an endocrinologist at Scripps Clinic. “Most cases respond well to treatment, which is why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms and your risk factors, especially if thyroid cancer runs in your family.”

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer happens when cancer cells grow in the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland is in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. If cancer develops in this gland, it can disrupt these functions.

 

Thyroid cancer is not the same as thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is more common. It occurs when the gland produces too much or too little hormone.

 

There are several types of thyroid cancers. Papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common.

Thyroid cancer symptoms

In its earliest stages, thyroid cancer may not show any signs or symptoms. Many people with thyroid cancer do not feel sick, so symptoms can be easy to ignore. If you notice a lump or hoarseness, don’t wait — see your doctor.

 

“Most thyroid cancers are found by accident,” says Dr. Marx. “Someone may feel a lump in their own neck, but more often, someone else points it out to them — a friend or family member, or even a hairdresser or dentist. They will notice a difference in symmetry — a fullness in one side of the neck but not the other — but it’s painless.”

 

While a lump is the most common sign, there are other symptoms to watch for as well:


  • An increasingly hoarse voice 
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Neck or throat pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck


These symptoms can also be caused by less serious issues, but it’s best to get them checked. Taking charge of your health is always a smart choice.


Not all lumps in the thyroid, known as thyroid nodules, are cancer. Most nodules are not harmful. However, about 10–15% can be cancerous.


Some thyroid nodules can be left alone if they are not growing or causing problems. Others may need treatment.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop thyroid cancer, but certain factors increase your risk, including age, sex and family history.


“You can get thyroid cancer at any age,” says Brendan Gaylis, MD, an otolaryngologist at Scripps Cancer Center and Scripps Clinic. However, it is often found in younger people, usually around age 51 on average.

 

Women also are three times more likely than men to develop the disease. Experts believe this could be linked to the hormone estrogen.

 

Other risk factors include:

 

  • Genetic conditions like familial medullary thyroid cancer
  • Childhood or adolescent radiation exposure, including from certain medical treatments
  • Excess weight or obesity


“Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer but if you have any concerns or symptoms, see your doctor,” Dr. Gaylis says.

How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

Patients with symptoms may be referred to an endocrinologist for testing, which may include: 


  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Imaging, like ultrasound, to look for tumors or see if the cancer has spread
  • Biopsy to examine thyroid tissue

Thyroid cancer treatment options

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. It also depends on the patient’s overall health and preferences. Often, more than one type of treatment is needed.

 

The main options include:

 

Thyroid surgery is often the first treatment option. It removes some or all of the gland. The extent of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor.

 

Radioactive iodine therapy is often used after thyroid surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Patients must isolate for a few days to prevent others from being exposed to radiation.

 

Thyroid hormone therapy is used to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland would normally produce.

 

Sometimes, different treatments are needed. Radiation therapy uses beams to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. These treatments are common when the cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland.

 

Regular check-ups are important for patients as the cancer can come back even years after treatment.

New advances in thyroid cancer care offer hope

Dr. Marx is optimistic about the future of treatment for thyroid cancer. 

 

“While the detection rate for thyroid cancer now is quite high, the death rate remains minimal,” he says. “As with many diseases, the science has gotten better. Genetic testing has eliminated some unnecessary surgery, and the prognosis for most people remains very good.”

Know the symptoms, act early

If you notice any unusual changes in your neck, voice or overall health, don’t wait to get it checked. Early detection makes a big difference. Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about thyroid cancer symptoms or your risk factors.

Scripps offers advanced thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment services, including single-site robotic surgery and the newest radiation therapy technologies.