A thyroid may seem like a small gland, but surprisingly, it impacts your overall health. That’s why it’s crucial to get regular screenings to eradicate the potentiality of thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, if you notice unusual changes in the neck area, Fort Worth thyroid cancer specialists can help manage your condition.

Your thyroid produces hormones influencing your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. That said, thyroid cancer doesn’t only affect the thyroid gland but also affects your overall well-being. To better understand the effects of thyroid cancer, here are five signs that indicate its time to seek specialist intervention.

1.     A lump or swelling in your neck

While a lump in your neck could be a sign of another condition, a lump, nodule, or swelling at the base of the neck is a common sign of thyroid cancer. This sign may be hidden in its early stages, but you can detect it when shaving or washing up. A lump in your neck is difficult to ignore thyroid cancer symptoms as it proves your condition is worsening.

Also, you may feel neck tightness resulting from a lump in your neck. Not all lumps are cancerous. However, getting checked out is important to detect signs of thyroid cancer early.

2.     Hoarseness that persists

When an abnormal tumor in your thyroid, it can cause hoarseness or other changes in your voice. Typically, the thyroid is located in your throat, and any tumor growth can affect your larynx. This is a telltale sign that your thyroid is in trouble and needs immediate checkup and treatment.

In most cases, thyroid cancers affect the nerves responsible for controlling the vocal cords’ movements, thus changing how you talk. Therefore, any unexplained hoarseness or voice changes shouldn’t be overlooked. Early detection of thyroid cancer paves the way for advanced treatment.

3.     Difficulty breathing or swallowing

See medical attention if you’ve been, of late, struggling to breathe or swallow food comfortably. Sometimes nodule or tumor growth interferes with the esophagus and makes it difficult to swallow food. You can either feel like food is stuck in your throat or feel tightness that makes it difficult to swallow.

On the other hand, thyroid tumors can also press against the windpipe, thus compressing the airways. This results in difficulty breathing. Early medical intervention can prevent thyroid cancer from causing more complex health issues.

4.     Chronic cough

A dry, hacking cough that doesn’t result from a cold could be a sign of thyroid cancer. This is especially true if you have other symptoms. Also, a chronic dry cough is an indication of a very aggressive form of thyroid cancer

However, it would help if you first got tested for conditions such as asthma. You should get thyroid cancer screening if your persistent cough doesn’t result from respiratory issues. Again, any chronic cough that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies should be evaluated.

5.     Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid overproduces hormones, this can result in the formation of abnormal nodules. You require evaluation if you experience rapid heart palpitations, excessive sweating, and difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, you should consult a specialist if you have weight loss or feel nervous or anxious.

Overproduction of hormones can even worsen existing thyroid cancer symptoms. Again, the underproduction of thyroid hormones can indicate an existing problem like tumors. To lower your risk of thyroid cancer, you should get regular screenings.

It’s not a guarantee that these symptoms indicate you’ve thyroid cancer. That’s why seeking thyroid screening is essential even when you feel healthy. Furthermore, early detection eliminates potentially severe consequences.

Don’t hesitate to seek advanced treatment if you experience any of the above symptoms. Whether you have a thyroid disease or cancer, treatments are available to help restore your health. Book your thyroid cancer screening and treatment today.