Symptom 2: Distress Signals – A Persistent Cough
As stage 4 thyroid cancer continues its relentless invasion, the body sends out another distress signal – a persistent cough. This isn’t your usual cough linked with a seasonal cold or flu; it’s tenacious, persistent, and does not respond to regular cough remedies.
At the onset, this cough might seem like a common affliction, easy to brush off. One might attribute it to allergies, changing weather, or even a stray cold. However, what sets it apart is its persistence. Unlike a cold or allergy-induced cough, which typically recedes with appropriate treatment or passage of time, this cough sticks around, refusing to be silenced.
As the cough evolves, it may be accompanied by a hoarse voice, another red flag to watch out for. The voice box, or larynx, sits in close proximity to the thyroid gland. As the disease advances, the cancerous cells can encroach upon the larynx, causing voice changes. This symptom duo, a persistent cough coupled with a hoarse voice, could be the body’s plea for help.
The discomfort brought on by this symptom duo can significantly affect daily life, impeding speech and communication. It can also be mentally exhausting, as constant coughing can interrupt sleep and everyday activities.(2)
