VCU Massey Cancer Center

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Early thyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, one of the first signs of thyroid cancer is a painless lump or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The following are the most common symptoms of thyroid cancer; however, each individual may experience symptoms differently:

• Hoarseness or loss of voice as the cancer presses on the nerves to the voice box.
• Difficulty swallowing as the cancer presses on the throat.

However, the symptoms of thyroid cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.