Around 53,000 people in the country are diagnosed with thyroid cancer every year. It develops in the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. The gland is responsible for producing hormones that control metabolism and regulate several other functions. This article quickly discusses a few common early signs of thyroid cancer and its types. This information can help identify the condition on time and seek appropriate treatment.

Early signs of thyroid cancer
There may be no evident symptoms of thyroid cancer in the initial stages. However, here are some changes one must be cautious of:

Lump in the neck
One may feel the presence of a lump under the skin of the neck, usually near the Adam’s apple. If the growth can be touched and felt clearly, one must visit a doctor. Generally, this lump is not painful, but it is one of the condition’s most prominent early signs.

Voice changes
A voice that gets huskier or more hoarse without reason is a warning sign of the condition. The changes appear gradually and worsen with time. Besides noticing voice changes, one may find it difficult to pronounce certain words as breathing gets affected. The intensity of this thyroid cancer symptom can vary from case to case.

Swollen glands in the neck
Frequent swelling in the glands of the neck should not be ignored. Though swollen glands are common in several other ailments, it is also an early sign of thyroid cancer. It happens because the lymph nodes in the neck get enlarged due to the disease.

Persistent cough
When the thyroid gland gets enlarged, it can irritate the throat, leading to a persistent cough. If one does not have a common cold or another respiratory disease, it is best to bring this symptom to a doctor’s notice.

Fatigue
Fatigue and weakness are common in most cancers. The body’s immune system weakens when affected by the disease, and other organs do not work efficiently, leading to fatigue. If it persists despite a healthy lifestyle, it is advisable to get examined to find out the cause.

Other thyroid cancer symptoms
Besides those mentioned above, one may also experience the following:

Difficulty breathing
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, so any growth or inflammation can affect breathing. Patients usually experience persistent shortness of breath or constrained breathing. Also, a drop in thyroid hormone weakens the respiratory muscles and affects the lungs.

Difficulty swallowing
This is among the most common thyroid cancer symptoms. When the thyroid gland gets enlarged, it puts pressure on the esophagus, making it difficult for food to pass through. The problem is also known as dysphagia. Apart from difficulty swallowing, some patients report a choking sensation.

Pain in the neck
One may experience pain in the neck, which usually starts at the base and goes up to the ears and surrounding areas. The pain may seem similar to what one goes through when affected by the common cold and flu. Despite being less severe, one should visit a doctor if this symptom persists.

Types of thyroid cancer
The condition is classified into four types based on the aggressiveness and other factors as mentioned below:

Papillary thyroid cancer
Almost 80 percent of cases are papillary, and thus it is the most common form. Though it spreads to the lymph nodes of the neck, it is easily treatable and rarely life-threatening. This may be because the growth and spread are usually slow.

Follicular thyroid cancer
Around ten percent of cases are follicular, making it the second most common type. It is likely to spread to other organs, like the lungs and blood vessels. Also known as follicular carcinoma, the condition can be treated if detected early.

Medullary thyroid cancer
It makes up around four percent of the cases. This type can be identified in its early stages because it produces a hormone called calcitonin, easily detectable by a blood test. The condition is primarily genetic, so the risk increases if a close family member has the disease.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer
It forms around two percent of all cases. Anaplastic is the most aggressive and the most difficult to treat. It grows rapidly and can spread to different organs. Since rapid growth and spread affect the surrounding tissues, it can be dangerous.

Hurthle cell cancer
This is among the rarest, amounting to around three percent of all cases. It is actually a subtype of follicular carcinoma since it is caused by a follicular cell.

Interestingly, more than 90 percent of thyroid growths are non-cancerous. By the age of 60, many people develop nodules in the gland. Still, it is crucial to visit a doctor as soon as one experiences the early signs of thyroid cancer mentioned here. Most of them are common in several illnesses, and only a thorough examination can help identify the cause.