If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due
to cancer. Most of these symptoms may be caused by other, less
serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them,
see your physician. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include the
following: Swelling or lump in neck —An enlarging lump in the
lower neck may be due to a thyroid nodule. The lump may be
painless or painful. Neck pain —As thyroid cancer grows, it may
put pressure on nearby nerves and structures, causing pain. The
pain may irritate nerves, causing the sensation of pain to run
from the area of the thyroid all the way up to the ears. Hoarse
voice —Pressure from an enlarging thyroid on the nearby voice
box may cause the voice to sound hoarse. Noisy breathing,
wheezing —When the thyroid enlarges enough to press against the
trachea (windpipe), your breathing may sound harsh (called
stridor), raspy, or wheezy (whistling). Cough —Pressure from a
thyroid tumor on the trachea may also cause you to cough.
Difficulty swallowing —If the thyroi