Symptom 3: Swelling in the Neck
A thyroid tumor may manifest physically as a visible lump or swelling in the neck. This symptom is often the first noticeable sign of a problem with the thyroid gland. The presence of a lump could indicate that your thyroid is struggling to function normally, and a tumor might be the cause.
Thyroid nodules or tumors can vary in size. Some are so small that they are hard to detect, while others grow large enough to cause a visible lump or swelling in the neck. It’s worth noting that while some lumps are noticeable upon inspection, others may only be felt to the touch or discovered during a routine medical examination.
If you notice a lump or swelling, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Not all lumps signify a tumor, and not all tumors are cancerous. However, it’s important to rule out the possibility. Your healthcare provider will likely perform an ultrasound of your neck to visualize the thyroid gland and any potential nodules or tumors.
In some cases, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to determine the nature of the lump. This procedure involves removing a sample of cells from the lump or nodule, which are then examined under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
While the thought of finding a lump can be scary, it’s important to remember that most thyroid nodules are benign, and even when they are malignant, thyroid cancer is highly treatable with a good prognosis in most cases. (3)
