The thyroid is an important gland that serves several functions that affect the overall well being of the body. It is a part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for glands that store and release different hormones into the bloodstream so they can be delivered to the cells of the body.
The thyroid produces two hormones that are essential to the body, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are responsible for triggering the cells to function and perform and certain rates. Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck and thyroid cancer may cause a lump to appear in this area. Here are eight of the most common thyroid cancer signs that you should be aware of and have checked out by a doctor if you experience any of them.
1. No Appetite
Almost anyone who has developed any type of cancer may experience a loss of appetite. This is a common symptom for most cancer patients. A person who has thyroid cancer, may experience a loss of appetite. These individuals simply do not have a desire to eat, even foods that were once enjoyable to them.
The reason for this could be caused by the metabolic changes that are caused by the cancer. Some of the other factors that may contribute to the loss of appetite include weakness, pain, fatigue, and depression. In individuals who have thyroid cancer, it may cause difficulty swallowing, which can cause a person not to eat.
The feeling of having a constant lump in the throat also contributes to the loss of appetite. As the nodule or cancer grows, the esophagus may become obstructed. This can cause a person to resort to liquids or soft foods, which may not be very appetizing.