Thyroid tumors are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths. Examples of benign tumors are adenomas, which may secrete thyroid hormone. Malignant tumors are rarer and are more common in women than in men. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 56,000 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States.
Thyroid adenomas are small nodules (or growths) that start in the cell layer lining the inner surface of the thyroid gland. The adenoma itself may secrete thyroid hormone. If the adenoma secretes enough thyroid hormone, it may cause hyperthyroidism. Thyroid adenomas may be treated if they cause hyperthyroidism. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the overactive nodule).
Cancerous tumors of the thyroid occur more often in people who have undergone radiation to the head, neck, or chest. However, it may occur in people without any known risk factors. Thyroid cancer usually appears as nodules within the thyroid gland. Some signs that a nodule may be cancerous include:
- Presence of a single nodule rather than multiple nodules
- Thyroid scan reveals the nodule is not functioning
- Nodule is solid instead of filled with fluid (cyst)
- Nodule is hard
- Nodule grows fast
The first sign of a cancerous nodule in the thyroid gland is usually a painless lump in the neck. Other symptoms may include:
- A painless lump in the neck
- 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
- Throat or neck pain that does not go away
- Breathing problems
- A cough that does not go away
However, the symptoms of thyroid cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
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