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Thyroid Cancer Signs, Symptoms and Types

The team at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center specializes in treating all types of thyroid cancers. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

General signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer may include:

  • A lump or nodule that can be felt through the skin on the neck
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain in the front of your neck or throat
  • A cough that does not go away
  • Difficulty breathing, especially the feeling like breathing through a straw
  • A cough with blood
  • Swollen glands or lymph nodes in neck
  • Changes to the voice, including increasing hoarseness 

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, contact your doctor to learn more about your symptoms and determine an accurate diagnosis.  

Types of Thyroid Cancer

The type of thyroid cancer you are diagnosed with will determine the next steps in your cancer journey. 

Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is known as the most common type of thyroid cancer. This type of cancer forms in the follicular cells, which generate thyroid hormones. Papillary thyroid cancer mostly affects people from 30 to 50, but thyroid cancer can occur at any age.  

Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Similar to papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer is also formed in the follicular calls in the thyroid. This type of thyroid cancer appears mostly in people older than 50. 

Hurthle Cell Carcinoma

Considered a type of follicular thyroid cancer, hurthle cell cancer is a rare form of thyroid cancer and is generally more aggressive. 

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Known as the most dangerous type of thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer starts as papillary or follicular cancer and progressively becomes more aggressive. This type of cancer is likely to spread throughout the body. 

If detected early, most thyroid cancers can be cured if treated correctly. Contact the experts at Banner MD Anderson to help learn more about the next steps to treatment and prognosis.

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