The thyroid gland is a part of the body located in the front of the neck. It can develop cancer that grows gradually. Sometimes it can be aggressive. However, most cancers of the thyroid are curable with appropriate treatment.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, please get in touch with your Doctor right away to determine if you need further testing. If left untreated, it may lead to death.
Your Doctor will decide the best treatment plan for you depending on the unique set of symptoms and the severity of your cancer. The treatment plans include surgical removal of the thyroid gland to radiation therapy, to name a few. Therefore, we advise you to consult your Doctor as soon as you suspect thyroid cancer.
How bad is my thyroid cancer?
- Mild (Grade 1): The symptoms include swelling and pain in the neck. You may also experience tiredness and fatigue. Do not try to treat thyroid cancer by yourself, even if it is at the state 1. Consult with your Doctor right away. Your Doctor may advise you on lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and hormone therapy. Once treated at this stage, thyroid cancer has a low chance of occurring again and spreading to other parts of the body.
- Moderate (Grade 2): throat hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing. You may not have all the symptoms listed below and Cancer may or may not have spread to other parts of the body. Still, we advise you to talk to medical consultant or nurse immediately. Your Doctor may advise you the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and radioactive therapy. Your cancer may come again if it has spread to other parts of the body.
- Severe (grade 3): Chest pain and difficulty breathing warrant immediate medical advice. Your thyroid cancer has spread to other body parts. Generally, it is curable with chemotherapy and radiation, but it has a very high chance of coming again due to its spread to other parts of the body.
Keep track of your symptom using Ankr (myAnkr web portal or the Ankr app). It will help you describe the uneasiness to your Doctor or nurse.
4. Life-threatening (Grade 4): This is a medical emergency where you may undergo a coma, and your medical condition may also cause death. Seek immediate medical treatment, or call 911 for emergency medical services. You may need intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy along with other suitable treatment plans as per the symptoms.
Warning signs/severe symptoms of thyroid cancer that need immediate medical attention
- Swelling in the neck which may be painful
- Voice change/hoarseness
- Dysphagia (Painful swallowing)
- Neck pain
- Throat pain
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pain in the ears
- Abnormal weight loss
What tests are needed to diagnose thyroid cancer?
Your Doctor will examine your neck physically for lumps or swelling. If the Doctor suspects cancer, they may ask you to go for an ultrasound, biopsy, or blood test. Your Doctor will explain to you the purpose of each test if you do understand any part of it.
How to manage symptoms of thyroid cancer
- Take proper rest and eat healthy food as recommended by your Doctor.
- Strictly follow the treatment plan advocated by the Doctor and take all pain-relieving medicines.
- Perform exercises and do the physical activity as appropriate, after medical consultation.
- Get family and community-based emotional support, if possible.
- Do not miss regular check-ups, and keep track of your symptoms throughout your journey with thyroid cancer.
What caused my thyroid cancer?
- Genetics
- Age more than 50 years
- Gender- more in females
- Thyroid nodules
- Iron deficiency
- Previous exposure to radiation
How can Ankr help with your thyroid cancer?
Don’t try to treat a thyroid cancer by yourself. Use Ankr to:
(1) learn about the common symptoms of thyroid cancer
(2) send message to your Doctor if they use Ankr platform*
(3) be better informed about how to prevent another thyroid cancer
