THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about thyroid cancer symptoms. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: What were your thyroid cancer symptoms?
I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism as well as nodules that may be cancerous. To those of you who have had thyroid cancer, what kinds of symptoms did you experience prior to your diagnosis? I know symptoms are different for everyone, but I’m really worried right now, and any information you can give me about this would be really helpful.

A: The only symptom I had was a large, hard lump on my throat. Many people have nodules, and the vast majority (95%) are benign, so more likely than not, you don’t have to worry.. Here’s a list of symptoms: http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/thyroid-cancer-symptoms also check out http://thyca.org for everything you’ve wanted to know about thyroid cancer.

Q: What are the symptoms for thyroid cancer ?
thanks all..

cats … can you tell me what are the other multitude symptoms your daughter had ?

A: There are different types of thyroid cancer (carcinoma of the thyroid), and the most common types (papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma) are highly curable if detected early. Up to 97% of these common types of thyroid cancer that occur in younger people are completely cured with appropriate treatment. Less common types, including medullary carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma, tend to spread more rapidly and extensively than the other types and have a worse prognosis.

Most commonly, thyroid cancers in the early stage produce no symptoms. As the cancer grows, a small lump or nodule can be felt in the neck. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are caused by benign conditions, but about one per cent of these lumps represent early stages of thyroid cancer. If the cancer spreads, it can cause symptoms that include:

Problems with swallowing
Hoarseness
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Breathing difficulty
Pain in the throat and/or neck
Remember, 99% of nodules in the thyroid gland are benign, but only your doctor can determine if a lump in your neck is cancerous. Even the symptoms above can be caused by infections and other benign conditions. If you have a lump in the neck or have the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Q: Thyroid cancer symptoms at onset & treatment?
..oops That was 3 questions. Sorry!!
I recently learned that I have thyroid cancer. I’m still waiting to find out if I’ll need only part or my whole thyroid removed. I have two questions actually…

1. Did you have any symptoms leading to finding out you had thyroid cancer (websites say there are no symptoms, but people say otherwise).
2. How was the surgery, recovery time, etc… does everyone have to take RAI after the surgery?
3. Was further cancer screening done?

A: I found out I had thyroid cancer 3 years ago and up until my diagnosis I had no symptoms they found mine by accident when I had a ct scan of my chest and then sent me immediately for a biopsy but after I was diagnosed I noticed that swallowing was hard guess you don’t pay attention to stuff like that unless you know there is an issue my tumor size was 3.5 inches which is big For surgery if you have a choice I would get your entire thyroid removed since that procedure is the best in limiting any recurrence and for me the surgery wasn’t to bad I was only in the hospital overnight able to go home the next day and the pain was very minimal the hospital sent me home with basically just a strong ibuprofen and that worked for the pain and as far as RAI after surgery not all doctors do it really it depends on the doctor and what they find during surgery but even that is not bad and for further screening there is a tumor mark blood test for the thyroid which is pretty accurate from what I understand but if you have thyroid antibodies like i do the test in not reliable and then your only option may be low dose RAI and body scan. Best of luck to you and hope I was able to help

Q: What are some possible symptoms of thyroid cancer (or even any kind of cancer)?
I am a 23 year old female, I have quite a large goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and I am worried that it may be cancerous. Please help if you can, any information would be truly useful and most appreciated.

A: I am 27 and was just diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. 80% of all masses (nodules) on the thyroid are benign. I actually didn’t notice anything. How they found it was I became diabetic with both my pregnancies and the endocrinologist found it in an ultrasound. Then they did blood tests which came back inconclusive. The next step was a radoactive iodine to determine that it was a cold nodule and not a goiter like you have. The final step was an FNA (fine needle aspiration) to determine if it was cancerous. It was so I had a total thyroidectomy. I’m in week 3 without my thyroid. Waiting until 6 weeks so I can start the radiation treatment. Then I’ll be on synthroid the rest of my life. Good news is that I feel good except for the off menstrual cycle and the tiredness. The scar is not large either. I really wish you well and hope that this is just a goiter. Most times medicine helps it or they’ll just remove it. That is for a doctor to decide. Here is a website that I found most informitive when I was diagnosed.

Q: What are some symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

A: Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid cancer is a disease that affects the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland located in the front part of the neck.

The first thyroid cancer symptom that patients usually experience is swelling or a small lump in the front of the neck. Many times these lumps are benign, but need to be further evaluated by a physician.

What Is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which thyroid cells become abnormal, grow uncontrollably, and form a cancerous tumor. If left untreated, thyroid cancer can spread and cause harm to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.

There are four major types of thyroid cancer. The four major types are: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The different types of look different under a microscope and grow at different rates.

Papillary cancer. This type of thyroid cancer develops in the cells that produce thyroid hormones containing iodine. Papillary cancer grows very slowly and contains cells that are similar to healthy thyroid cells. Papillary cancers account for about 60 to 80 percent of all thyroid cancers.

Follicular cancer. This type of cancer also develops in thyroid cells that produce iodine-containing hormones. About 10 to 30 percent of thyroid cancers are follicular cancers.

Medullary cancer. Medullary cancer is more difficult to control than papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. It is more difficult to control because the cancer cells tend to spread to other parts of the body. The cells involved in medullary cancers produce calcitonin. Calcitonin does not contain iodine. About 5 to 7 percent of all thyroid cancers are medullary cancers.

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a type of endocrine gland, that secretes hormones (thyroglobulin) necessary for growth and proper metabolism. The thyroid gland also maintains blood calcium balance within a narrow range. The thyroid gland is necessary for life. It is located in the lower part of the neck.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. However, several factors have been noted to increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Some of the noted factors are having a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland), the presence of nodules on the thyroid (nodules are bumps or uneven areas of enlargement), radiation exposure, family history of thyroid cancer, chronic infections or inflammation of the thyroid.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

Early stages of thyroid cancer usually has no symptoms, it is just a small lump in the thyroid. As the cancer grows, it may produce the following symptoms: Neck Mass, Hoarseness, Neck Pain, Swallowing Difficulty, Breathing Difficulty, and Swollen Glands.

Can Thyroid Cancer be Prevented?

Unfortunately, since most people with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors, it is very difficult to prevent most cases of this disease.

Can Thyroid Cancer be treated?

Yes. The treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type and stage of disease, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. Types of treatment used are: surgery (removal of the diseased part of the thyroid), chemotherapy, radioactive iodine therapy and/or hormone therapy.

Effects of Treatment

Statistics

Each year in the U.S.A. there are about 15,600 people diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
About 1,200 people die from it each year in the United States.
Women are affected about three times more than men.
Thyroid cancer is more common in people of Asian descent.
Lymphedema

Other thyroid cancer symptoms include:

difficulty swallowing

cough that is not caused by a cold and is persistent

hoarseness not from a cold

enlarged neck node

Keep in mind that these could also be symptoms of other illnesses. If you are experiencing anything that you are concerned with, please see your doctor. Nothing can substitute the examination of a healthcare professional.

Q: Thyroid Cancer-Second occurance symptoms?
For anyone out there who has had a second bout of Thyroid Cancer, what were your symptoms? Or was it diagnosed during an exam? I have Pappillary. Please also list which type of thyroid cancer you have. I can’t find any information on the web about second occurances.

A: 25 years ago I had thyroid cancer and lost the entire thyroid
along with all parathyroids and the major neck muscle on left
side. I had chemo,radiation an three more surgeries.

last week I had surgery .after cat scan my doctor found one
large tumour under the jawline…very embedded with scar tissue
and several small tumors located in the left side of my neck.

I am waiting for results…

I would definetly suggest a cat scan if you are having troubles,
it will detect tumours that can not be found during a manual hands on exam.

I hope this might be a bit of help to you
if not message me with any specific questions you have.

regards……and best of luck to you.

Q: symptoms of thyroid cancer…?
what are the symptoms….
NO I’M NOT PARANOID…JUST RULING THINGS OUT…I THOUGHT THIS IS A PLACE FOR QUESTIONS,……..NOT RUDE PEOPLE.

A: had it, did it, done. swelling, tiredness, no hair growth, see your doctor for lab tests to confirm.

Q: Thyroid cancer……………..?
What is the first symptom you would experience if you have Thyroid cancer???????? And if a cancer/disease gave you a list of symptoms and you only had one of the symptom and that symptom is a common symptom for other things… but u didnt have any of the others… should you get worried that u have that disease/cancer?

A: What are symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Early thyroid cancer often does not cause symptoms. But as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

A lump, or nodule, in the front of the neck near the Adam’s apple;

Hoarseness or difficulty speaking in a normal voice;

Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck;

Difficulty swallowing or breathing; or

Pain in the throat or neck.

These symptoms are not sure signs of thyroid cancer. An infection, a benign goiter, or another problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Q: Thyroid Cancer?
I have been told there is a chance that I have thyroid cancer. I will be meeting with a specialist at the end of the month to determine what will be happening next.

I guess my questions are many:

1) What are good resources on the net to find out more? I figure Web MD would have good info – anything any better and more specific?

2) What are the options? I know every case is different, but is there anyway I can know what I am facing – so that I know what kind of questions to ask once I meet with the doctor?

3) What chances are that it could spread? Where could it spread to, and what other symptoms would I be looking for?

(I’ve been told that the tests for my thyroid are normal, but I know I have had a large thyroid for almost 20 some years now. But this is the first it has hurt like this in a long time – I have the raspy voice from time to time, and can feel extremely fatigued with a temp)

Any info anyone can give either here or by email would be aprpeciated.

A: I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer 5 years ago. First I’ll answer your questions.

1-Best resource for thyroid cancer is www.thyca.org.

2-There aren’t too many options. Once diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you must have surgery to completely remove your thyroid gland. This is called a total thyroidectomy. Afterwards, you will have to take a pill everyday for the rest of your life. After surgery, most people will have RAI. That stands for radioactive iodine. Thyroid glands suck up iodiine. So the radioactive iodine goes in and “kills” any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer tissue. It’s taken in the form of a pill. The radioactive isotope is called I-131. Some doctors will say that surgery is enough. But the RAI really is what goes in as the “cleanup crew” to kill any remaining cancer.

3-Thyroid cancer is a very slow spreading cancer (usually). If it spreads, it’s usually to the lymph nodes nearby. Some very rare thyroid cancers can spread to the lungs or brain but usually it’s slow.

Most thyroid cancers are very treatable and some would even say it’s curable. First step for you will be an ultrasound of your thyroid. Next would be a biopsy which is called a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). A needle is inserted through your neck, into your thyroid, and cells are removed. Sounds painful but it’s not. Takes less than a minute and feels like a pinch. If the results come back as cancer, you’ll have the surgery and about 2 months after surgery you’ll have the RAI.

Best of luck to you. The thyca website is really wonderful.

Regards,
mari

Q: could i have thyroid cancer? i have all the symptoms..?
so i have almost all the symtoms but one. i did the neck check and i feel a small bump in my throat. my mom is going to take me to the hospital today or mite just wait to take me to the doctor monday. i also just ffound put i had ploryasy? idk how to spell it. but when i went to the hospital they never check my throat i think they forgot bbecause they were to focused on my heart and things. so idk.
what do i do?

by the way im 16

has anyone had thyroid cancer?

A: What are all the symptoms you have?? How did you feel the small bump IN your throat? Your best bet is to see what your doctor says, they might make you get an ultrasound, and then they will take the next appropriate steps based off the findings. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer late in 2008 at 21, just stay vigilant and be sure to tell your doctor about your concerns.

Q: If diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. Then had a Thyroidectomy performed, what are the post symptoms?

A: You will become hypothyroid and are subject to all the symptoms of this condition such as; weight gain, constipation, dry skin, dry thinning hair, brain fog, depression, low body temp, muscle and joint aches, sleep apnea, headaches, fertility issues, and increased cholesterol.

The good news, once on the correct thyroid medication and at the right thyroid levels most of these symptoms will be gone.

I suggest you look through yahoo groups for a group on thyroid cancer. There somene can tell you about everything they went through post op.

Q: Do I have thyroid Cancer?
I am a 15 year old male, and today I noticed randomly my throat was hurting on the right side, towards the top when I swallow. It completely started out of no where.

I have no lump, and I work at a day care that requires me to talk and raise my voice a lot.

I am a bit of a hypochondriac, but idk, the symptoms just seem like symptoms of thyroid cancer.

It is hard for me to swallow a little, and it really hurts.

A: That does not sound like thyroid cancer at all. A lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing and breathing are common thyroid cancer symptoms.

It sounds like you’ve strained your voice and have a sore throat… try a lozenge.

Q: Do i have thyroid cancer?
My aunt got thyroid cancer last year, and today we were talking about some problems i’ve been having and she said they could be thyroid symptoms
i’m hungry all the time (no i’m not pregnant lol, i’m only 15). there’s a lump on the right side of my neck, i’m always tired, even in the morning after a 9 hour sleep. i’m always in a pissy mood with my friends lately (but this could also be caused by the stress from my exams). and my periods are always irregular. and quite a large amount of people in my family have cancer.. my aunt (on my mom’s side) , my grandma (on my mom’s side) and my mom might also risk breast cancer , but it’s only a possibility.
anyway what do you think? and is thyroid cancer fatal?

A: It doesn’t sound like thyroid cancer at all…it sounds like a typical teen or possibly hypothyroidism. If your lump in your neck doesn’t subside, see a doctor to get it checked out. Also, all cancer has the ability to be fatal, but most of the time, thyroid cancer is not.

Q: Is thyroid cancer common?
Types of thyroid cancer and its symptoms?

A: It isn’t really that common. I had a huge lump on my thyroid gland and it turned out to be papillary cancer. This website is very helpful

http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html

Q: Do you think I have Thyroid cancer???
OK well I usually get paranoid about stuff and I have trouble breathing. That is only one of the symptoms of thyroid cancer… i have none of the other symptoms. But this breathing thing has been happening for the past 8 months. And I have an extremely high level of anxiety. And when I get stressed about stuff i have trouble breathing but i also hav OCD so when I have trouble breathing my OCD holds on to that so it feels like 24/7 i am constantly having trouble breathing. I dont have any trouble eating or sleeping. I have extremely trouble breathing when i am really worried or anxious about something (it might not always be stuff that I know about or that is on my mind at that moment). and days when nothing is wrong and there isn’t a care in the world… I can almost breath perfectly fine. For example, when the summer first began i could breath almost perfectly fine. And when i went to that wicked awesome Hedley concert int August my breathing wasn’t bothering me that much. But the last 2 weeks of august they were horrible cause I was starting High School (im a 14 year old girl). I have seen a couple doctors about this. (2 physical ones and a shrink) the last physical doctor i saw which was about 5 months ago felt around my throat and listened to me breath and said i was fine and there was nothing physically wrong with me and the other physical one said that to. And would a doctor be able to detect if i had Thyroid cancer if she checked me 5 months ago and this problem started 8 moths ago. Well actually it started a year and a half ago. But I would have little attacks like it would last for a week. and that happened 3 times but this one has alsted much longer. DO you think this is thyroid cancer????

A: Thyroid cancer would be well down on my list of suspects.

Sounds like panic attacks, hyperventilation and anxiety.
If this is right, the more you worry about it being thyroid cancer the worse it will get!