The thyroid is a vital component of the endocrine system, responsible for producing hormones. Thyroid cancer is a health condition affecting the thyroid gland and is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to the silent symptoms. Therefore, understanding the early warning signs of thyroid cancer is crucial in early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The main risk factors and some silent warning signs of thyroid cancer are discussed below.

Thyroid cancer
As mentioned earlier, thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body mass.

There are four types of thyroid cancer- papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The symptoms of this cancer vary depending on the type and stage. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your health. Regular health check-ups with your doctor can help detect any underlying health issues early on. One can prefer the MSK thyroid cancer center, where experts diagnose and treat thyroid cancer patients using the latest research findings. Other tests, such as ultrasounds, physical exams, or biopsies, may also be advised to check for possible signs of thyroid cancer. When diagnosed early, most cases of thyroid cancer can be treated successfully with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted supplements. Surgery is the most common treatment suggested for thyroid cancer patients.

Causes of thyroid cancer

• Exposure to radiation, especially during childhood
• An inherited genetic disorder such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or familial medullary thyroid cancer
• An autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• A family history of thyroid cancer
• Unhealthy body mass
• History of goiter 
• Exposure to certain chemicals

Silent warning signs of thyroid cancer
Since thyroid cancer patients do not experience any symptoms in the early stages, understanding the warning signs that indicate the condition is crucial for early diagnosis and better management. Some of the most common silent signs of thyroid cancer are listed below.

Lump in the neck
One of the first signs of thyroid cancer is the presence of a lump in the neck. It can be felt under the skin and may or may not be visible. It usually appears as a single lump, though multiple lumps may exist. One must consult a doctor for further evaluation if one experiences any suspicious lumps in the neck. In some cases, these lumps may be large enough to cause a feeling of fullness in the throat or difficulty breathing.

Swelling in the neck
One of the most common signs of thyroid cancer is swelling in the neck. Swelling in the neck area is often caused by enlarged lymph nodes due to a thyroid tumor. It can cause a noticeable swelling in the neck, which may be uncomfortable to touch and even restrict breathing. If a person experiences this symptom, get it checked out by a health expert as soon as possible. An ultrasound or CT scan can help diagnose any irregularities in your thyroid gland. Blood tests can also detect elevated levels of thyroid hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which can indicate an underlying thyroid disorder.

Pain in the throat or neck
Thyroid cancer can cause pain in the throat or neck due to the presence of a lump or swelling in the area. This symptom can vary from person to person, with some individuals feeling a dull ache in the neck or throat while others may experience sharp or stabbing pain. It is important to note that thyroid cancer-related neck pain may be intermittent and only occur occasionally.

If you experience persistent pain in the throat or neck area, it necessitates expert intervention to determine if it is related to thyroid cancer. Ultrasound, biopsy, or blood tests can help doctors diagnose or rule out thyroid cancer.

Hoarseness or change in voice
It happens when a tumor on the thyroid gland presses against the vocal cords, changing the sound of your voice. If your voice is becoming scratchy, raspy, or doesn’t sound like it used to, it’s essential to seek the advice of a health expert. Even if the change isn’t severe, any alteration in your voice could indicate an underlying health condition and, therefore, must be checked by a healthcare professional.

Difficulty swallowing
This symptom is typically caused by a tumor or nodule on the thyroid pressing against the esophagus. This symptom can manifest in several ways, including difficulty swallowing food or liquid, feeling like food or beverage is stuck in the throat, or constant discomfort when eating or drinking. Further, a person may experience difficulty breathing if the tumor is pressing against their trachea. If a person is experiencing difficulty swallowing, it is important to speak with their doctor regarding potential causes, including thyroid cancer.

Fatigue and unexplained anxiety
One of the silent signs of thyroid cancer is fatigue. Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night’s sleep, is often a sign that something is wrong with your body. However, other than thyroid cancer, various health conditions share this symptom. If a person feels exhausted for longer than usual, they should consult a doctor and seek a thorough evaluation. However, since other trigger factors can cause fatigue, one must also explore other possibilities.

People with thyroid cancer often complain of constantly worrying and feeling stressed, even when there is no logical reason to be anxious. It is because an overactive thyroid can cause the hormones in the body to be imbalanced, leading to episodes of extreme anxiety. If a person feels anxious without an apparent reason for worry or fear, consulting a health expert to rule out the possibility of thyroid cancer will benefit them.