5. Difficulty Breathing: The Silent Strangler
We often take the act of breathing for granted until something makes it difficult. One such cause could be the presence of an advanced thyroid cancer.
If you find yourself increasingly short of breath, especially during normal activities that you previously handled with ease, it could be a symptom of thyroid cancer. This might manifest as an increased effort to breathe or a feeling of “air hunger,” where you feel you can’t get enough air in.
Difficulty breathing in the context of thyroid cancer usually signals that the disease has progressed. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, right in front of the trachea (windpipe). As a tumor grows and the thyroid gland enlarges, it can start to compress the windpipe. This compression can restrict airflow, making it harder to breathe.
The symptom may initially be noticed only during exertion, such as while exercising or climbing stairs. But as the tumor continues to grow, shortness of breath might occur even at rest or during mild activities.
In extreme cases, individuals may feel like they are choking or being strangled, particularly when lying down flat. This can disrupt sleep and lead to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. (5)
