Symptoms of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
In most people, thyroid cancer develops very slowly.
Symptoms of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer include:
- a painless lump or swelling in the neck that usually slowly gets bigger – although most lumps are not cancer this is the most common symptom
- a hoarse voice for no obvious reason that does not go away after a few weeks
- difficulty swallowing – caused by a thyroid tumour pressing on the gullet (oesophagus)
- difficulty breathing – caused by a thyroid tumour pressing on the windpipe (trachea)
- pain in the front of the neck
- rarely, a swollen gland in the neck.
These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. But it is important to get them checked by your GP. You should see your doctor as soon as possible if:
- you notice a lump in your neck whether it is painful or not
- you notice any of the other symptoms we mention, which are less common.
Symptoms of other thyroid cancers
Rarer types of thyroid cancer have some different symptoms. We have more information about the symptoms of:
These cancer types have different symptoms.
Getting support
We understand that showing any symptoms of what could be cancer is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. We are also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our thyroid cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at
informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE). [NG230]. Thyroid cancer: assessment and management. Published: 19 December 2022. Available from: www.nice.org.uk/guidance
Datta, R. British Medical Journal Best Practice Guidelines, Thyroid cancer. 2023. British Medical Journal. Available from: www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/263
European Society Medical Oncology (ESMO): Thyroid cancer, Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up. 2019. Available from: www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)32555-2/fulltext
Date reviewed
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