Does thyroid cancer cause difficulty in swallowing?

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine tumor in clinical practice, which can be caused by factors such as heredity and radiation. If patients with thyroid cancer experience dysphagia, common causes include tumor enlargement, lymph node metastasis, and invasion of surrounding tissues. At this time, you need to go to the hospital in time to see a doctor and receive relevant treatment after the cause is determined.

1. Tumor enlargement: As the tumor grows, it gradually compresses the esophagus, which may cause the patient to have difficulty swallowing. At this time, surgical resection can be performed under the doctor's advice;

2. Lymph node metastasis: If thyroid cancer patients have lymph node metastasis, it may cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, which in turn compresses the esophagus and causes dysphagia. At this time, surgery can be performed under the doctor's advice, followed by lymph node dissection and radiotherapy after surgery.

3. Invasion of surrounding tissues: When the recurrent laryngeal nerve is damaged in thyroid cancer patients, they may suffer from hoarseness or coughing when drinking water. Some patients may also experience neck or shoulder pain. If it is an early-stage tumor, surgical treatment is feasible, such as total thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy. However, if it is an advanced tumor, palliative surgery or total thyroidectomy plus lymph node dissection can be performed under the doctor's advice.

4. Other situations: If thyroid cancer patients have esophageal cancer and other diseases, they may also have dysphagia. Esophageal cancer patients usually also have symptoms such as discomfort and burning sensation behind the sternum. At this time, esophagectomy can be performed under the doctor's advice.

Patients should also pay attention to keeping a happy mood and avoid excessive stress that may aggravate their condition. They should also avoid spicy, cold, greasy and other irritating foods. They can eat more fresh vegetables, fruits and other foods, pay attention to rest, and avoid bad living habits such as staying up late.