Sign 2: Chronic Cough – A Disruptive Indicator
Another crucial sign of thyroid cancer making a comeback is chronic coughing. Not your regular cough associated with a cold or flu, but a persistent one that seems out of place and refuses to budge. If this kind of cough becomes a constant companion, it might be more than just an annoying tickle in your throat.
A recurring tumor in the thyroid gland can exert pressure on the trachea or windpipe, which lies just behind it. The trachea’s primary role is to provide a clear passage for air to travel to and from the lungs. But when a tumor grows and presses on the trachea, it can lead to a chronic cough as your body attempts to clear the perceived obstruction.
This cough isn’t just your typical “clear your throat” kind. It’s like having an itch you can’t scratch. You might find yourself constantly needing to cough, even when there’s no apparent reason, like a cold or allergies. It’s a persistent irritant, like a pebble in your shoe that you can’t shake out.
Here’s where it gets more complicated. In certain cases, the persistent cough may be accompanied by difficulties in swallowing or even breathing. This happens when the growing tumor impacts not just the trachea, but also the esophagus, which is located nearby.
Of course, everyone has experienced difficulties in swallowing at some point, perhaps while gulping down food too quickly. However, with a recurring tumor, the difficulty in swallowing tends to be persistent, just like the cough. It’s as if an invisible force is constantly gripping your throat, making what should be a natural process feel like a strenuous task. (2)
