Thyroid lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and accounts for up to 2 percent of all cases of cancerous thyroid tumors, according to medical experts at UpToDate. This form of cancer occurs most frequently in women between the ages of 65 and 75. People who have questions or concerns regarding the symptoms of thyroid lymphoma should consult a doctor for further guidance.
Enlarged Thyroid
One of the most common symptoms of thyroid lymphoma is an enlarged or swollen thyroid gland, report medical experts with Macmillan Cancer Support. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the front of the neck. An enlarged thyroid, also called a goiter, is typically painless but can visibly protrude from a person's neck. The thyroid gland may slowly enlarge over several weeks or months and swelling can persist until thyroid lymphoma treatment is received.
Breathing Difficulties
A large tumor within the thyroid can press into or constrict a person's airway. Consequently, people with thyroid lymphoma can develop breathing difficulties as symptoms of this disease, warn health professionals with Weill Cornell Medical Center. Affected people can experience shortness of breath or wheezing, depending upon the size of the thyroid lymphoma tumor.
Hoarseness
People with thyroid lymphoma experience unusual vocal hoarseness as a symptom of this disease. Thyroid tumor growth can irritate or inflame a person's voice box, which can cause their speaking voice to sound unusually harsh or raspy. Vocal hoarseness symptoms typically persist for several weeks or months and may become worse if the thyroid tumor increases in size.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing can occur as a symptom of thyroid lymphoma in certain patients. The thyroid tumor can press into a person's throat, making it difficult for saliva, fluid or food to pass through the esophagus. Affected people may experience a temporary decrease in appetite due to this symptom of thyroid lymphoma.
