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Thyroid cancer symptoms and discomforts
Diagnosed with two large thyroid tumors-one cancerous- the other a probably, about 6 weeks ago. Before diagnosis, I did not notice or attribute the weight gain, the lack energy. the hoarseness, or the increased sensation of swallowing to the thyroid. Also recent thyroid tests were normal as part of routine physical. After finding out I am wondering if a cancerous thyroid might be responsible. I am eating less yet put on a few pounds, I can sleep any time and am so tired that If have to force myself to get anything done. I do take the dog for a mile and a half walk every day, so that keeps me some what active. I can drop off to sleep any time. And now I am really aware of my voice and my swallowing. I am very unhappy about the cancer and the surgery it requires. Maybe everything is making me a bit psychosomatic? Anyone relate or have similar or different experiences?
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@rockon79
My 2.5cm thyroid nodule in my right lobe made it difficult to swallow at times and even speak (would have difficulty with some words at times). I also gained weight over a short period of time, always tired, etc. I think any large nodules in throat can also aggravate sleep apnea and breathing when sleeping.
You could be hypothyroid due to thyroid dysfunction with the large nodules and may also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is where your immune system attacks thyroid cells as if they were foreign invaders.
Once you have surgery to remove, it may take a wile to adjust to the new medication but you should start to feel better once the medication is optimized.
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1 ReactionI have heard a lot of positives about life after thyroid removal for cancer. I have also heard of the problems that some here have posted about. I have learned that ideally the thyroid can and should be removed without affecting the parathyroid glands or the voice box nerves. That hasn't happened for some and has created serious problems. Also, as mentioned, balancing out the medication needed after the thyroid is gone can cause life altering problems if not done correctly. All of this, plus the possibility of metastasis is very concerning, yet many (I have heard, anyway) happily roll on through these considerations and have a healthy life afterwards. Well, I guess I will find everything out after surgery. Any other's experiences would be appreciated-Thanks
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I had a total thyroidectomy 49 years ago & for the past year, have been extremely tired, experiencing hoarseness & neck pain. Ultrasound test showed I still have a portion of my thyroid gland. I am concerned because I have these symptoms & originally had benign adenomas on my thyroid that can turn cancerous. I also had radiation 71 years ago to shrink my tonsils, which increases my cancer risk. Thinking if they left a portion of my original thyroid that might have had some benign adenomas they may have turned cancerous. Primary doctor seems to want to dismiss this & I want to have further follow-ups to be sure I don’t have thyroid cancer. What tests should I ask for? Should I ask for a referral to an ototlyryntologist?
Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Mancos, Almost all of us had goiters, or multinodular goiters, some turns out aren't so benign after awhile. I hope the risk for you is low for anything at this point and not sure what they would do, but the first thought is imaging. Whole body scan, CT with contrast - that kind of thing if one is concerned. Then biopsy if these imaging have concerning reports.
For fatigues, T4 is not so great alone, then other factors Vitamin D, anemia and ferritin levels - all important.
Thank you for response. I was thinking along these same lines, so I appreciate your feedback.