Thyroid cancer: The lesser-known warning sign of your risk found in the ear
Thyroid cancer: Know the symptoms
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Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland which is a small gland at the base of the neck producing hormones. Women are two to three times more likely to develop it than men. Having this sensation in your ear could indicate your risk of the disease.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle, said Medline Plus.
The health site added: “The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland.
“Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears.”
The American Cancer Society listed other signs and symptoms to spot warning of thyroid cancer which include:
- A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
- Swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
- Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- A constant cough that is not due to a cold
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It’s not usually clear what causes thyroid cells to grow uncontrollably but there are a number of things that can increase your risk.
It is important to note that having any of the risk factors doesn’t mean that you will definitely develop cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, some non-cancerous (benign) conditions of the thyroid increase your risk of thyroid cancer.
These include:
Nodules (adenomas)
An enlarged thyroid (goitre)
Inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis).
“Thyroid cancer is more common in people who had radiotherapy treatment, particularly in people treated with radiotherapy when they were children,” warns Cancer Research UK.
Experts don’t know what causes thyroid cancer.
However, like other cancers, changes in the DNA of a person’s cells seem to play a role.
These DNA changes may include changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older.
People who have been exposed to a lot of radiation have a greater chance of getting thyroid cancer.
See a GP if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer, warns the NHS.
The national health body added: “The symptoms may be caused by less serious conditions, such as an enlarged thyroid, so it’s important to get them checked.
“A GP will examine your neck and can organise a blood test to check how well your thyroid is working.
“If they think you could have cancer or they’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, you’ll be referred to a hospital specialist for more tests.”
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