What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?

I have a family history of thyroid cancer. What are the signs and symptoms I should be paying attention to?

Your thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the based of the throat just below your voice box, or larynx. Normally, you cannot feel or see your thyroid through your skin. The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones that affect many vital functions in your body such as your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, weight, and fertility. You cannot live without your thyroid; therefore, medication is used to replace these important hormones if your thyroid is removed or not functioning.

Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon. There are risk factors that make a person more susceptible to thyroid cancer.  Even people with no risks can develop thyroid cancer. 

Risk factors for thyroid cancer:

• Radiation: exposure to high levels of radiation from radioactive fallout or treatments for some conditions to the head and neck in 1920-1950’s.
• Personal or family history of goiter – Goiter is a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Sex: Females are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
• Age: Although thyroid cancer can occur at any age, thyroid cancer occurs most commonly after the age of 30.

Many individuals do not have any symptoms in the early stages of thyroid cancer.  You should consult your health care provider if you are noticing any of the following signs of thyroid cancer:

• a lump in your throat or neck, usually painless
• hoarseness or changes in your voice
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing

Yearly physical examinations are important. You should consult your health care provider when you notice any changes in your health. Most thyroid cancer is treatable and curable if detected in the early stages.

For more information about your thyroid and thyroid cancer, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).