Most people suffering from thyroid cancer have few or no symptoms at all. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed by routine examinations of the neck during a general physical check-up. Sometimes it is detected unintentionally through x-rays or scans performed for other health issues. Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located below Adam’s apple, at the base of the neck. Thyroid hormones regulate blood pressure, weight, and body temperature. Thyroid cancer is of various types: some grow aggressively and others grow slowly. There are rising incidences of thyroid cancer being reported lately. Although there are preventative measures for thyroid cancer, in many cases it cannot be avoided. Since there are little or no symptoms of thyroid cancer, this disease is often detected in its later stages.

The common thyroid cancer signs are:

• A lump (nodule) that can be felt through the skin on the neck
• Increased hoarseness of the voice
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain in the neck and throat
• Swollen glands in the neck
• A cough that persists that is not caused by cold

There are ways to reduce or eliminate the risk of thyroid cancer since it cannot be entirely prevented. These preventative measures for thyroid cancer include:

• Prophylactic (preventive) surgery
  Changes in certain genes can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. A person might choose to have his or her thyroid completely removed to prevent cancer from developing.
• Eating a healthy diet
  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat can limit the risk of many cancer types. The American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Unsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids), found especially in salmon and other fish, might help protect against cancer. Maintaining a balanced weight can also help protect against several diseases, including thyroid cancer.
• Limit exposure to significant levels of ionizing radiation
  Precaution must be taken for children so that they stay away from high levels of ionizing radiation, especially during infancy. The exposure to radiation fallout and a history of radiation therapy to the head, neck or chest in infancy/childhood have been associated with thyroid cancer.

Even after following these preventative measures for thyroid cancer, if you are worried about any sign or symptoms that you are experiencing, consult your medical provider. Your doctor will suggest the best course of medication depending on the symptoms and other factors. This will help to treat the problem correctly. Symptoms may be caused by thyroid cancer or other thyroid triggers such as a goiter, or a condition not related to the thyroid, such as an infection. If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This is called palliative care or supportive care. It is often started soon after diagnosis and continues throughout treatment.