Januvia Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

Thyroid cancer symptoms may include a lump in the throat, which may be painful or swollen. Fortunately, most cases of thyroid cancer are not life-threatening.

Overview

Januvia (sitagliptin) was linked to thyroid cancer in a 2011 study published in Gastroenterology by researchers from UCLA. The risk of Januvia thyroid cancer is still under investigation. It will likely take many years of research, because thyroid cancer is very rare, and people who take Januvia often have other medical conditions that could increase the risk of thyroid cancer (diabetes, for example).

Due to the potential risk of thyroid cancer, it is a good idea to be aware of thyroid cancer symptoms. Usually, a lump in the throat is not actually thyroid cancer. However, because it could be a symptom of another serious illness, thyroid cancer symptoms should be evaluated by an experienced physician.

Symptoms

In the early stages of thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer symptoms are typically mild or nonexistent. The most common symptom is a lump on the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower-front and center of the neck.

Januvia thyroid cancer symptoms may include:

• Lump or “nodule” in the front an center part of the neck: This lump is often very small and easy to miss. Many cases of thyroid cancer are only detected when a doctor performs an exam of the thyroid gland and finds a nodule.
• Swelling in the neck
• Changes in tone of voice
• Pain in the neck or throat: Neck pain may also radiate to the ears
• Swallowing problems: This can occur if thyroid cancer grows into the windpipe. Over time, it may constrict the airway.
• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Cough: Persistent, unexplained cough that is not related to a cold or other illness
• Enlarged lymph nodes: Thyroid cancer may spread to the lymph nodes and cause swelling. There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the neck. They may be painful to the touch.
• Diarrhea
• Itching