4. Difficulty Breathing: A Serious Sign of Potential Thyroid Cancer
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, known as dyspnea, is a more serious symptom of thyroid cancer. Similar to dysphagia, this symptom occurs when a large thyroid tumor presses against the trachea (windpipe), obstructing the airflow.
At first, an individual might experience this only during strenuous activities, or it might feel like a shortness of breath after a small amount of physical exertion. Some people may dismiss this as a sign of aging or a lack of physical fitness. But when the tumor grows, the difficulty in breathing could become more noticeable and may even occur at rest.
Furthermore, individuals might experience a sensation of not getting enough air, a tightness in the throat, or even wheezing. In severe cases, this can lead to respiratory distress, a potentially life-threatening situation.
If you experience unexplained, persistent difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is required. Diagnostic procedures such as a CT scan or lung function tests could be employed to determine the underlying cause.
This symptom could be a sign of many different health conditions, but thyroid cancer is one potential cause that shouldn’t be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the prognosis of thyroid cancer. (4)
