Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

The symptoms of Thyroid Cancer may vary depending on the type of Thyroid Cancer it is. Common symptoms include:

• Enlargement or a nodule of the thyroid gland or neck swelling
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Cough or cough with bleeding
• Difficulty swallowing

There are also various signs and tests that can indicate Thyroid Cancer. For example, a physical examination can reveal a thyroid mass or nodule (usually in the lower part of the front of the neck) or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Tests that indicate thyroid cancer:

• Thyroid biopsy showing anaplastic, follicular, medullary or papillary carcinoma cells
• Ultrasound of the thyroid revealing nodule
• Thyroid scan showing cold nodule (a nodule that does not light up on scan)
• Laryngoscopy showing paralyzed vocal cords
• Elevated serum calcitonin (for medullary cancer) or serum thyroglobulin (for papillary or follicular cancer)

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• T4

• T3
• TSH