Several thyroid condition and parathyroid conditions may present with pain. This can lead to disturbances in gland function. It is important to note that most causes of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are painless. However, conditions like thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation), some forms of thyroid nodules and thyroid enlargement (goiter) can be painful. Similar conditions may affect the parathyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where there is an excess production of thyroid hormone. It can cause swelling and pain in the frontal neck region.
Hypothyroidism
ypothyroidism is the production of low amounts of thyroid hormone and this causes severe pain in the neck.
Goiter
Goiter is a term referring to swelling of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland enlarges unprecedentedly, it causes pain on the neck, and depending on the severity of the condition, the pain may be very severe.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer often causes a lump or swelling low down in the front of the neck. However, neck lumps are common and are usually caused by a less serious condition, such as an enlarged thyroid (goitre).
A neck lump is more likely to be cancer if it feels firm, doesn’t move around easily under the skin and gets bigger over time.
Other symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
• swollen glands in the neck
• unexplained hoarseness that doesn’t get better after a few weeks
• a sore throat that doesn’t get better
• pain in your neck
• difficulty swallowing
• breathing difficulties
Thyroid nodules
Most thyroid nodules are so small that you don’t even know you have one. If you have a big nodule, you may be able to feel it, or you may notice swelling in your neck. It’s possible that you may also: feel pain in your throat or feel like your throat is full, have a hard time swallowing and Have trouble in breathing.
Thyroiditis
Most cases of thyroid pain can be attributed to thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland. Pain is a typical feature of inflammation and is most prominent in acute and subacute thyroiditis. It may be a temporary feature in the early stages of the disease or persist throughout the course of the disease. This includes:
• Acute infectious thyroiditis (mainly viral)
• Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (not always present)
Types of thyroid pain
• Thyroid pain may be perceived as an ache, with an evident tenderness to touch and swelling of the thyroid gland.
• It can physically present as a swelling of unsightly appearance, associated with hoarseness of the throat or sore throat.
• The pain aggravates on touching or swallowing.
References:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-thyroid/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/thyroid-nodules-topic-overview#1
https://www.hyperthyroidismsymptomsx.com/thyroid-pain/
http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Pain-In-Front-Of-Neck.html
