Symptom 3: Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: The Invisible Hurdles
As DTC progresses, symptoms can extend beyond the realm of mere inconvenience, venturing into the territory of more alarming signs such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, known as dyspnea, and difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia. These symptoms often indicate that the tumor has grown significantly, now impacting other structures within the neck.
The neck is a highway of sorts, home to various vital structures, including the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (food pipe). Located in close proximity to these structures, the thyroid gland, when enlarged due to a tumor, can exert pressure on them, leading to these difficulties.
When the tumor compresses the windpipe, it can hinder the free flow of air, resulting in difficulty breathing. Individuals may experience this symptom as a shortness of breath, particularly when lying flat, or a sensation of “air hunger”, where they feel the constant need to take deep breaths to get enough air.
On the other hand, when a tumor presses on the esophagus, it interferes with the smooth passage of food, causing discomfort or even pain during swallowing. Meals can become a daunting task, with the individual often needing to swallow multiple times or drink fluids to aid the process.
Both these symptoms represent the growing impact of the tumor, demonstrating its potential to affect not just the thyroid gland itself, but also nearby structures. Awareness of these signs can help individuals recognize the progression of DTC, potentially encouraging timely medical intervention. (3)
