Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland and around 45000 Americans get it each year. Thankfully there are some early warning signs of this disease so it is possible to catch it early on before it progresses further. Here are some of the early signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer that you should look out for:

1. Swelling or pain in the front of the neck

If you notice swelling or a lump low down on the front of your neck it might be best to get it checked out. According to research 1 in every 20 neck lumps are cancerous. Swelling in the neck is often the main symptom of thyroid cancer and is usually the first symptom to develop. Since the swelling can vary in severity, A lump in the neck is often first noticed during routine physical exams or when imagining is done on the neck for other reasons.

2. Issues swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, otherwise known as dysphagia, can be a symptom of thyroid cancer. This is due to the fact that swelling or a lump on or around the thyroid gland can cause compressing in the organs needed to swallow. Difficulty swallowing can cause discomfort in those with thyroid cancer so it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you encounter difficulty swallowing that persists.

3. Chronic cough

The swelling or any lumps or nodules caused by thyroid cancer can cause a feeling that there is something stuck in the throat. The coughing is caused by a nodule irritating the trachea, or the vocal cord nerve. The type of cough is often described as a dry and hacking sort of cough. Oftentimes, the only way to clear up the coughing is to get surgery to remove the nodule.

4. Breathing issues, hoarseness, or voice changes

Unfortunately, the nerve that controls your vocal cords runs alongside the trachea near the thyroid. This means that if the cancer has spread to that vocal cord, or a nodule from the cancer is rubbing against the vocal cord, it can affect the quality of your voice. You should consult a doctor if you have an unexplained hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks.

Overall, while these symptoms may seem mild on their own, each one can be irritating and unpleasant in their own right. It is important to pay close attention to any of these symptoms that you may experience and take them seriously if they persist or if you have multiple of them.