· Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or swelling around the neck
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Persistent cough that’s not due to a cold
What Should I Do?
If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you can see a lump on your throat, you should make an appointment to see your doctor or endocrinologist right away. Most thyroid tumors may be benign, thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon, and these symptoms may be caused by another condition. But only a thorough exam and testing can determine for sure what causes them.
A doctor likely will perform a physical exam, take a family history and may recommend tests such as:
Blood Tests: Blood tests will help the doctor determine if your thyroid gland is performing normally and check for healthy hormone levels.
Fine-Needle Biopsy: During a fine-needly biopsy, your doctor will insert a long, thin needle into the neck and thyroid tissue. An ultrasound image is usually used to guide the needle precisely into the nodule on the thyroid. Then, the needle will be used to remove samples of the tissue on the thyroid nodule to determine if the cells are benign or malignant.
Imaging Tests: Your doctor may recommend one or more imaging tests to help your medical team determine whether cancer has spread beyond the thyroid. Imaging tests may include computerized tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans or ultrasounds.
Genetic Testing: Some patients who have been diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer may have genetic changes that can be associated with other endocrine cancers. Based on your family history, your doctor may recommend undergoing genetic testing to look for genes that increase your risk of developing various cancers.