Symptom 3: Difficulty in Swallowing or Breathing
The third symptom indicative of a thyroid cancer recurrence is difficulty in swallowing or breathing. As the thyroid gland is situated in the neck, close to the windpipe and esophagus, an abnormal growth can compress these structures, leading to discomfort or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
At the onset, you may experience mild discomfort, like a sensation of a lump in your throat when you swallow. This could be especially noticeable when you’re eating solid foods or swallowing large pills. As the cancer progresses, swallowing may become increasingly uncomfortable or even painful, possibly impacting your food intake.
Furthermore, you might find yourself short of breath, particularly when lying flat on your back. This difficulty in breathing may be due to the growth impinging on your windpipe, compromising its patency.
In some cases, you might also experience a choking sensation or feel like your neckties or scarves are too tight. These changes could indicate that a previously treated thyroid cancer has returned and is causing physical changes in your throat or neck area. (3)
