If you have thyroid cancer, complications can range from minor to serious. Less severe issues might include trouble with your voice or swallowing, especially if the cancer affects the area near your vocal cords or throat. More serious complications can happen if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, like your lungs or bones, which can make it harder for your body to work the way it should.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
You might recognize thyroid cancer if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck that doesn’t go away. Or if your voice starts sounding hoarse for no clear reason. Other possible symptoms include:
- Trouble swallowing.
- Pain in your neck or throat.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
- Difficulty breathing.
Keep in mind, these signs don’t always mean it’s thyroid cancer, but they’re worth checking out!
Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer
This type of cancer is often treated by surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid or with radioactive iodine therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. Other treatment options include:
- Hormone therapy to replace thyroid hormones.
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy for more advanced cases.
- Targeted therapy to attack specific cancer cells.
The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer and are unsatisfied with the treatment plan, it’s wise to seek a second opinion from another hospital or oncology center. Keep exploring to learn more about cancer, the stages of thyroid cancer, and its treatment options. Continue your search here: