Thyroid cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. It is the fifth most common cancer found in women in the country. This condition may not cause symptoms in the early stages and is often discovered during a routine neck examination or imaging scan. Knowing the risks, warning signs, and symptoms may help diagnose and treat the condition successfully. What is the thyroid gland? The small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is situated around the trachea, at the base of the neck. It is one of the most vital hormone glands, affecting most bodily functions. The thyroid regulates the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). What are the warning signs of thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is classified by the type of cancer cell. Some of these include papillary cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, Hurthle cell cancer, sporadic medullary thyroid cancer, familial medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and thyroid lymphoma. Although it is tough to identify thyroid cancer until its advanced stages, here are some early warning signs to be wary of: Swollen lump on the neck An unusual lump, swelling, or nodule in the neck is generally one of the most common signs of thyroid cancer.