Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below Adam’s apple. Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.
Thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause pain and swell in the neck.
There are several types of thyroid cancer. Some grow very slowly and others can be very aggressive. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with treatment.
Thyroid cancer rates appear to be increasing. Some doctors believe this is because new technology allows them to find small thyroid cancers that may not have been found in the past.
Symptoms
Thyroid cancer does not usually cause any signs or symptoms early in the disease. As thyroid cancer grows, it can cause:
- A lump (nodule) that can be felt through the skin of the neck.
- Changes in your voice, including increased hoarseness.
- Difficulty to swallow
- Pain in the neck and throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck