Symptom 5. Pain in the Front of the Neck: The Unavoidable Discomfort
Pain in the neck, specifically in the front where the thyroid gland is located, is another symptom associated with PSCCT. This discomfort can range from a mild, constant ache to a sharp pain that makes turning the head difficult.
While neck pain is common and usually not a sign of a serious condition, persistent pain in the front of the neck should not be dismissed, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like a noticeable lump or changes in voice. This symptom is more relevant if the pain doesn’t respond to usual over-the-counter pain relievers or if there’s no apparent cause, like poor posture or muscle strain.
In cases of PSCCT, the pain often results from the tumor’s growth and the pressure it exerts on the surrounding structures. As the tumor grows, it stretches the thyroid capsule, a thin tissue covering the gland, causing discomfort or pain.
An article in the journal ‘Oncology Letters’ emphasizes the importance of recognizing persistent anterior neck pain as a potential sign of thyroid diseases, including malignancies like PSCCT. The research concludes that any persistent pain in the neck, especially in the anterior region, should be evaluated thoroughly, even if it seems unrelated to the thyroid on the surface. (5)
