Symptom 9. Difficulty in Breathing or Talking: The Double-edged Symptom
Difficulty in breathing, or dyspnea, and difficulties with speech are two interconnected symptoms that can indicate PSCCT. These issues may present as feeling out of breath even after minimal exertion, a decrease in exercise tolerance, or having a hard time getting words out, respectively.
These symptoms occur due to the physical location of the thyroid gland in the neck, in close proximity to both the windpipe (trachea) and the voice box (larynx). An enlarging PSCCT tumor can compress these structures, leading to difficulties in both breathing and talking.
In a case report published in the Head & Neck Oncology journal, a patient with PSCCT presented with progressive dyspnea and speech difficulties. The study underscored the importance of recognizing these symptoms in the context of potential thyroid pathologies, especially in the absence of common risk factors for respiratory issues.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are common to several other conditions, particularly those related to the respiratory system, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hence, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive evaluation to correctly diagnose the underlying cause.
The relationship between PSCCT and speech difficulties can be multifaceted. First, direct compression of the larynx by the tumor can impact the vocal cords’ movement, leading to changes in voice or difficulty speaking. Second, if the tumor invades the recurrent laryngeal nerve – a nerve that controls all the muscles of the larynx, except one – it could cause vocal cord paralysis, further impacting voice and speech.
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Case Reports highlights a case of PSCCT where the patient presented with hoarseness due to the tumor’s involvement with the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hence, if you’re having persistent issues with breathing and speech, especially if combined with other symptoms like a visible neck lump, unexplained weight loss, or persistent cough, consider discussing them with your healthcare provider. (9)
