Call Us

5 Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules or Cancer

Desert West Surgery Blog 5 Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules or Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be nearly 53,000 new thyroid cancer cases in 2020. This type of cancer affects women much more than men and is often found in early adulthood. 

At one point, thyroid cancer was one of the fastest-growing types of cancer, but advances in diagnostics and patient education have helped increase awareness and earlier detection. At Desert West Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, our team of highly experienced surgeons outlines some of the telltale symptoms of thyroid nodules or cancer, so you know when to seek medical care. 

Lump in the front of your neck

One of the first telltale signs of thyroid cancer is the formation of a lump or nodule at the front of your neck and generally under your Adam’s apple area. The nodule or lump is usually painless and doesn’t typically raise initial concern. The chances of a solitary nodule being malignant are higher in those under 30 and over 60.

Hoarseness or other changes in your voice

In conjunction with the formation of the lump or nodule, hoarseness is a sign that the nodule may compress a nerve in your larynx, housed just about your thyroid. Since your larynx is conversationally known as your voice box, changes in your voice usually mean 

Difficulty swallowing

Medically known as dysphagia, difficulty swallowing is another key symptom of thyroid cancer. It’s caused when the thyroid gland enlarges and compresses your throat.

Persistent cough

If you have been coughing for weeks now, the nodule or lump may be aggravating your vocal cords, touching on one or more nerves, and triggering the sensation that you need to cough. 

Swollen lymph nodes

Thousands of lymph nodes, which are dispersed all over your body, help defend against viruses and bacteria. If you have thyroid cancer, the lymph nodes closest to your thyroid will become swollen and inflamed. 

Our team offers a careful and compassionate evaluation of your thyroid and treats nodule and cancer with one of three types of surgery:

To learn more about thyroid cancer and surgery, call the Desert West location closest to you or book your appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Do I Have a Goiter?
A goiter is a problem with your thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Like other thyroid problems, goiters require proper medical care to avoid problems. Here’s why goiters happen and how we can help.

Do I Need to Have My Gallbladder Taken Out?
Gallbladder problems are common; unfortunately, most problems don’t clear up independently. The only long-term solution for most problems is surgery. Here’s how to tell if it’s the right solution for you.

Can My Hernia Heal on Its Own?
If you have a hernia, you probably wish it would just go away on its own. But hernias can’t heal by themselves — they need medical treatment. Here’s how we can help.

What Type of Thyroid Surgery Might I Need?
Many thyroid problems can be managed with medication, but there are times when thyroid surgery is necessary. In this post, you’ll learn about when surgery is recommended, along with the primary types of surgery used to treat thyroid problems.

Can Surgery Cure My Crohn's Disease?
Crohn’s is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management to keep it under control. Surgery can help — but it can’t provide a cure. If you have Crohn’s disease, here’s how surgery could play a role in helping you stay healthy.