Thyroid Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Thyroid cancer symptoms and signs can vary from person to person.

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer, you should let your primary care provider (PCP) know:

  • A lump in the front of the neck, sometimes growing quickly 
  • Swelling in the neck 
  • Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears 
  • Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away 
  • Trouble swallowing 
  • Trouble breathing 
  • A constant cough that is not due to a cold 
  • A lump (or lumps) on the side of the neck. 

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not cancer. Lumps in the thyroid are common and are usually not cancer. Your PCP can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms.

Take Charge of Your Health

Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be thyroid cancer. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started with screening. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine. 

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms and Signs FAQ

If you have any signs or symptoms that you worry might be from thyroid cancer, talk with your primary care provider. Lumps in the thyroid are common and usually these symptoms are caused by something else. Whatever the cause, it’s important to find out so you can get treatment to help. If it is cancer, finding it earlier may mean it’s easier to treat.

Thyroid cancer starts when cells in the thyroid grow out of control. Normally, cells in the body grow and multiply to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells get old or damaged, they die and are replaced. Sometimes, this normal process breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t, forming tumors. Some tumors are cancer, and others are benign (noncancerous).

Thyroid cancer spreads by growing into, or invading, nearby tissues. If the cancer cells invade nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels, they can travel through the lymph or blood to distant parts in the body. Then they can form new tumors in these places. 

When physicians and scientists talk about cancer survival rates, they typically mean the percentage of people expected to survive their cancer for at least five years after being diagnosed. (The rate doesn’t include the risk of dying during that time from some other reason.) Overall, the relative five-year survival rate for thyroid cancer in the U.S. is 98%, according to the National Cancer Institute.

This rate comes from looking at a large, varied group of people. The chance of surviving cancer at least five years can vary greatly from one person to another. It depends on many factors, like how far the cancer has spread. Your Fred Hutch care team can explain how statistics like survival rates might apply to you.

A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth and are common, but are not typically cancerous.