5. Persistent Cough – A Common Yet Overlooked Sign
A persistent cough, especially one without a clear cause, could potentially indicate FTC. Just like with swallowing and breathing difficulties, the cough is due to the tumor pressing against the windpipe, irritating it and leading to a dry, persistent cough.
Coughs are a commonplace occurrence, often associated with colds, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. This commonality makes it easy to overlook a cough as a potential sign of something more serious like FTC. However, a persistent cough that doesn’t respond to typical treatments and isn’t accompanied by other signs of a common cold should raise concerns.
In the case of FTC, the cough is often dry and non-productive (not bringing up mucus), and it doesn’t usually respond to typical cough suppressants. Sometimes, the cough may be accompanied by a sensation of pressure or tightness in the throat area, due to the expanding nodule.
While an isolated cough is not an immediate red flag for FTC, a cough that doesn’t seem to go away, especially when coupled with other symptoms such as a palpable neck nodule, voice changes, or swallowing difficulties, should warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. (5)
