10 Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Symptom #8: Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
In some cases of thyroid cancer, there can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism suggesting that the nodules are autonomously functioning nodules. Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules are nodules that are characterized by their iodine uptake, function, growth, and is independent from the control of thyroid stimulating hormone (a hormone released by the pituitary gland that regulates the release of thyroid hormones). One study found that the incidence of hyperthyroidism in patients with thyroid cancer is quite high at about 12%.
They also tend to have more aggressive disease with poorer prognosis compared to other patients. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include loss of weight, increased appetite, diarrhea, heat intolerance, tachycardia (rapid heart rate even at rest), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), proximal muscle weakness (especially hips and pelvis muscles), tremors, anxiety (panic attacks, nervousness, and irritability), eye symptoms (such as exophthalmos), and more.
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