Deeply Concerned

[robhart]

Hello,

I've recently noticed what I think is a goiter on the front of my neck. What scares me is that it is very hard and from what I've read that could be a sign of thyroid cancer. It actually feels like 2 different bumps with one side a little bigger than the other. I am also male with a recently hoarse voice which are other symptoms.
I am on vacation right now and will be for 2 more weeks but will see the doctor one I get back but it's going to be really hard to enjoy my vacation now.
I haven't been tested for any thyroid problems before but I do have some of the symptoms which I have found on here and my brother has hyperthyroidism.
I am 38 years old and don't really know how common thyroid cancer is at this age.
Are the symptoms I suggested indicative of cancer?

Thanks,

Robert

[robhart]

Thanks for the encouraging words.

For some reason the goiter is not as hard as it was a couple of days ago and is actually soft in some places.

I don't know if that means anything but it does makes me feel a little better for some reason.

Robert

[stella5349]

If it makes you comfortable until you get home. Do a self neck check

If I were you through I would limit you time worrying and enjoy your vacation. I know that is easier said than done - and I would be checking it out too - but after all these years with my situation - I wish now I maybe would of enjoyed the time I had (having fun) than worrying all the time. Worrying did me no good.

Enjoy your time away,

[utahmomma]

Being a male makes it a bit more disconcerting but not a for-sure thing.

What you need to do is request a thyroid ultrasound.   Blood work would show if you also have hyperthyroidism but won't tell whether or not you have a suspicious thyroid nodule.

Thyroid cancer really doesn't have a "common" age group.  Yes, it's more common the older you get but what cancer isn't?

My 16-year old daughter had atypical thyroid cells (precancerous) and my 24-year old sister had Stage II thyroid cancer (which would have been classified as Stage III if she would have been older).   Other's on here have been convinced that they had cancer and everything was benign.

Just try to enjoy your vacation because worrying won't change a thing!  

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
and an entire family with it - even though it's "non-hereditary"