# What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer?

> Early thyroid cancer often causes no symptoms. Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız explains the warning signs to watch for and why a neck ultrasound matters.

Source: https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thyroid-cancer/  
Updated: 2026-10-19

Blog

Author: Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız · Last reviewed: 14 October 2026

**This video is in Turkish.** The video opens on YouTube (Google) in a new tab. [Watch on YouTube ↗](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTJwBClUqxY)

Most thyroid cancers do not cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, neck ultrasounds are important for early diagnosis of thyroid cancer. However, as thyroid cancer grows, it can cause:

- Pain in your neck and throat
- A mass that can be felt through the skin on your neck
- Changes in voice tone, including increasing hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling, especially in the lymph nodes in your neck.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor and have a neck ultrasound performed, along with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and head and neck examination, and your vocal cords checked.

## References

1. NHS. Symptoms of thyroid cancer. NHS. 2023. Available from: [nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms/) \[cited 2026 Oct 14\].
2. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer. American Cancer Society. 2024. Available from: [cancer.org/cancer/types/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html) \[cited 2026 Oct 14\].
3. American Cancer Society. Can Thyroid Cancer Be Found Early? American Cancer Society. 2024. Available from: [cancer.org/cancer/types/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html) \[cited 2026 Oct 14\].

Written by **Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız** ENT & Head–Neck Surgeon · contracted practice [View practice →](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/network/prof-dr-aysenur-meric-hafiz/)

Related service line [Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery](https://www.merichafizhealthtourism.com/services/thyroid-and-parathyroid-surgery/)

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