Can thyroid cancer cause an itchy throat and cough?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on May 12, 2025
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Patients with thyroid cancer may experience symptoms such as throat itching and coughing. The causes can be considered from the following aspects: Firstly, thyroid cancer tends to metastasize to the lungs through the bloodstream. Once lung metastasis occurs, respiratory symptoms will appear, including throat itching and coughing. Additionally, these symptoms may also arise from a decrease in immunity following chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatments for thyroid cancer, leading to concurrent lung infections. Thirdly, some patients with thyroid cancer may have invasion of nearby organs, such as the esophagus or airways, which can also lead to symptoms of throat itching and coughing. In terms of treatment, apart from symptomatic drug therapy, it is paramount to administer systemic anti-tumor treatments. Effective control of thyroid cancer is essential to alleviate these clinical symptoms.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

The first point is the diagnostic process for differentiated thyroid cancer. Initially, most patients may not have symptoms, while a minority might show symptoms due to invasion of surrounding organs. Ultrasound examination is the preferred method for diagnosing thyroid nodules. Ultrasound can clarify the number, nature, and location of thyroid nodules, as well as provide information on whether there are abnormally enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. It has a relatively high accuracy in identifying the nature of thyroid nodules. Currently, the most accurate test for determining the nature of thyroid nodules remains the fine needle aspiration cytology, which has a diagnostic sensitivity of 83-92% and specificity of 80-92%, but it is not 100% conclusive. The second point is about the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer. Besides the tests common for thyroid cancers, additional tests for medullary thyroid cancer can include fine needle aspiration, ultrasound, and some serological tests, such as calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen tests.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Early symptoms of thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, with only incidental palpation of nodules of various sizes and textures on the front of the neck. Some patients may find abnormalities during routine physical examinations through imaging studies, and symptoms may appear only in the later stages. The second point concerns the characteristics of medullary thyroid cancer, which exhibits specific symptoms early on, such as persistent, watery diarrhea. Additionally, this cancer involves an endocrine syndrome, where tumor cells secrete calcitonin and adrenocorticotropic hormone, potentially leading to facial flushing, elevated blood pressure, and reduced blood calcium. This may be associated with other conditions such as pheochromocytoma, multiple mucosal neuromas, and parathyroid adenomas, which can also cause corresponding symptoms.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Early symptoms of thyroid cancer

Early symptoms of thyroid cancer: First, differentiated thyroid cancer often exhibits no symptoms in its early stages, only accidentally discovered nodules that vary in size and texture on the front of the neck. Some patients are only diagnosed during routine physical exams or through imaging studies, with clinical symptoms being relatively rare. However, more symptoms and signs may appear in the later stages. Second, medullary thyroid cancer presents some unique symptoms, such as persistent diarrhea, typically watery, and a syndrome involving the endocrine system. Patients may exhibit facial flushing, elevated blood pressure, and decreased blood calcium levels, accompanied by other conditions, such as parathyroid adenomas, multiple mucosal neuromas, and pheochromocytomas, which also manifest specific symptoms.

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Written by Gan Jun
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Characteristics of thyroid cancer lymph node enlargement

Thyroid cancer is a type of malignant tumor. However, if it is detected early, diagnosed early, and treated early, it generally has a relatively good prognosis compared to other malignant tumors. Once a patient is afflicted with this disease, it is crucial to seek treatment promptly. Without treatment, thyroid cancer can spread to lymph nodes. Initially, the cancerous lymph nodes may invade surrounding blood vessels and nerves, leading to symptoms such as hoarseness. If it compresses the throat area, it can cause discomfort in the throat accompanied by breathing difficulties and coughing while drinking. If the optimal time for treatment is missed, cancer cells can spread, potentially moving not only to the lungs but also to the respiratory system and bones, among other distant sites.

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Written by Gong Chun
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What department should thyroid cancer see?

Firstly, thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the neck area. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the most professional oncology department for diagnosis and treatment when the disease occurs. If thyroid cancer is operable, surgery can be performed by the head and neck surgery department. After surgical treatment, if radiotherapy and chemotherapy are needed, it is still recommended to see an oncologist for treatment and specific therapies. Thus, different departments may be consulted during different stages of the disease, but the primary recommendation is still to seek treatment from the oncology department.