“Here’s How I Knew I Had Thyroid Cancer”: One Patient’s Story When Emotional & Hormonal Symptoms Crept Up

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland nestled at the front of the neck just beneath the skin, and plays an essential role in the body’s overall function. It is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. When the thyroid isn’t functioning well or develops cancer, it can have widespread effects on throughout the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer and approximately 2,170 thyroid cancer-related deaths are expected in the United States in 2024. There are various types of thyroid cancer, and the difference is based upon which cell within the thyroid gland becomes cancerous.

Russell Smith, MD, FACS, a board-certified otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) surgeon and director of thyroid and parathyroid surgery at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, explains: “The most common thyroid cancers develop from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. These cancers are called ‘well-differentiated thyroid cancers.'”

Well-differentiated thyroid cancers can be called “papillary thyroid cancer” and “follicular thyroid cancer.” Treatment usually starts with surgery, and for more severe cases, might also involve radioactive iodine therapy—a type of radiation treatment taken by mouth. While it’s more prevalent in women, thyroid cancer can affect both sexes and all ages. “If someone has a thyroid nodule, the risk that it is cancer is less than 5%,” Dr. Smith adds.

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Thyroid cancer risks

“Most people do not have an identifiable risk factor for developing thyroid cancer,” says Dr. Smith. However, there are a few known risks, one of which is exposure to ionizing radiation. This might come from treatments for childhood cancers or occupational exposure.

There’s also a genetic angle—some people inherit a predisposition for thyroid cancer, which can be seen in family members who also suffer from the disease.

Thyroid cancer symptoms

“Most people with thyroid cancer have very few symptoms, if any,” Dr. Smith explains. Typically, the most common thyroid cancer symptom is a lump in the lower neck, just above where your collarbones meet. However, many individuals don’t experience any symptoms at all and only discover they have thyroid cancer during a routine check-up when their doctor detects a lump in their neck.

Sometimes, thyroid cancer is uncovered during imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans conducted for unrelated reasons. “As thyroid cancer progresses, other symptoms can occur,” Dr. Smith notes. These may include:

• New lumps on the sides of the neck

• Hoarseness

• Trouble swallowing

• Breathing difficulties

• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

How long can you live with thyroid cancer?

Dr. Smith says most cases involve well-differentiated thyroid cancer. “These cancers have a great response to treatment and have a very high survival that is over 95%.” However, in older patients or those with more advanced disease, this type of cancer can become quite aggressive, and survival rates may fall to around 50% to 60%.

For other types, like medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer, the outlook varies. Catching the cancer early and the availability of targeted drug therapies are essential in improving survival outcomes.

Ahead, we share the personal story of a 48-year-old woman from Denver, CO, who was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during a routine doctor’s visit—a testament to the important role these exams play. Learn how she beat cancer—not once, but twice.

How I knew I had thyroid cancer

By Camille S. as told to Dr. Patricia Varacallo, DO

FLUXFACTORY/ GETTY IMAGES

My first symptom of thyroid cancer

At the time, my life was busy and chaotic. I was going through a divorce, moving into a new house, starting a new job, and raising a teenager. I’d been feeling more anxious than usual and had experienced some panic attacks, but honestly, looking back, who wouldn’t? It seemed pretty normal, given the circumstances.

During my annual physical in August 2014, my doctor noticed that my thyroid looked swollen. She suggested an ultrasound, just to be on the safe side, as she thought that could explain the increased anxiety and panic attacks.

I remember her calling me with the results of the ultrasound, saying that they had seen multiple nodules on my thyroid and that I would need to undergo what was called an ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy. The biopsy would allow the pathologist to look at samples under a microscope and send off for molecular testing to see if there is a presence of thyroid cancer—and there was. That’s when I knew I had papillary thyroid cancer.

My thyroid cancer treatment

The news was unexpected, but my doctor assured me that it was treatable. The recommended course of action was a thyroidectomy—complete removal of my thyroid gland. This would be followed by a treatment called radioactive iodine therapy.

I learned that radioactive iodine therapy is a form of targeted radiation. You swallow a pill containing radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by any remaining thyroid cells in your body. The radiation then destroys these cells, while the rest of your body is largely unaffected. I learned that it’s an effective way to eliminate any thyroid tissue that might remain after surgery.

The thyroidectomy went well, leaving me with a tiny scar at the base of my neck. After taking the pill, I had to isolate myself at home to avoid exposing others to radiation. There was a long list of instructions my doctor gave me to follow. It was a quiet time that allowed for some reflection and rest—a time I desperately needed after undergoing so much stress all at once.

I started feeling better after my treatment. Recovery took some time, though, mainly because my body now lacked the hormones produced by the thyroid. I started taking Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid hormone, and worked with my doctor over several months to find the right dosage. This time was a challenge as I experienced some mood swings, fatigue, and some ups and downs in my weight.

The cancer returned

I adjusted to life without a thyroid, managed my medication, and continued with regular check-ups. However, a follow-up scan and biopsy revealed that the cancer had returned in some lymph nodes on the left side of my neck.

This time, the treatment involved surgically removing the affected lymph nodes, followed by another round of radioactive iodine therapy. It was familiar territory, but that didn’t make it any easier. Still, I approached it with some confidence, having been through it before.

Now, at 48, I’m still cancer-free. Living without a thyroid is manageable, but it does require ongoing care. I take my medication every morning, regular blood tests help ensure my hormone levels remain balanced, and I have yearly check-ups to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

For anyone facing a similar diagnosis, know that while it’s a major life event, you can get through this. I’ve learned from my doctors that great strides have been made in treating thyroid cancer. With proper care and follow-up, you can still lead a vibrant and healthy life.

Is it necessary to get screened for thyroid cancer?

“Screening for thyroid cancer is not recommended,” advises Dr. Smith. “Thyroid ultrasound is very sensitive and can detect very small cancers that would have likely never grown or caused other issues.” He points out that there’s a risk that treating these small cancers might actually do more harm than good.

For individuals diagnosed with small thyroid cancers, particularly those over 40, a watchful waiting approach, known as active surveillance, may be advised. This involves regular ultrasound check-ups over several years to ensure the cancer isn’t growing. This method has proven to be very safe for managing small cancers that remain stable in size. Should the cancer begin to grow, or if there’s a concern it has spread to a lymph node, surgery can be performed at the necessary time, and the survival is still excellent.

The latest in thyroid cancer research and treatment

Dr. Smith explains that there’s been an exciting surge in research efforts over the last few years, thanks to a team effort involving surgeons, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Together, they’ve made big strides in distinguishing between various subtypes of thyroid cancer, which were previously lumped together. “In the past, all these thyroid cancers were treated very similarly, typically with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy,” Dr. Smith says.

He adds, “With our better understanding of these subtypes of thyroid cancer, we can now personalize the extent of surgery required for a specific patient and limit the use of radioactive iodine to those that are at higher risk of disease.”

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