18 September 2023 , 13:00
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Thyroid cancer kills around 410 people every year in the UK, but detecting the disease early can increase the chances of successful treatment.
The cancer is found in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front, lower part of the neck. It produces hormones that affect things such as your heart rate, body temperature and helps to regulate the body's metabolism - the process that turns food into energy.
The disease is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ as it takes an average of 4.5 years for sufferers to be officially diagnosed, researchers at the University of Aberdeen found. This is due to the symptoms overlapping with a range of other conditions.
Women face a greater risk of developing thyroid cancer compared to men, as it targets one in 170 females and one in 332 males, reports Cancer Research UK. Nearly 85 percent of patients diagnosed with the disease will survive for ten years or more if caught and treated at an early stage - making symptom awareness front and centre.
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The cancer is found in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front, lower part of the neck (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The NHS has highlighted the main symptoms of thyroid cancer to watch out for, these include:
A lump in the front, lower part of your neck – the lump usually feels hard, slowly gets bigger and is not painful
A hoarse voice
A sore throat
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Pain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck.
The health body also raised awareness to other ‘lesser-known’ warning signs that could signal the disease, including softer poos or diarrhoea. Frequent loose bowel movements could indicate a rare type of thyroid cancer, known as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), which occurs in around five to 10 percent of cases.
Dr. Sara Mesilhy, gastroenterologist at Royal College of Physicians, told the Mirror: "Diarrhoea is considered an indirect symptom as it is not typically the defining symptom of thyroid cancer. Instead, it can be an indirect consequence of the disease, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, but some factors play a role.
"Generally, the alteration of hormonal balance caused by thyroid cancers disrupts the normal body mechanisms, especially the hormones that affect the gastrointestinal system leading to changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea."
The doctor explained: "Diarrhoea may be more obvious in some types of thyroid cancers than others, as in MTC which is a neuroendocrine tumour arising from the parafollicular cells, or C cells, of the thyroid gland. This tumour is characterised by the secretion of calcitonin, which causes diarrhoea."
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Another important mechanism is the interruption of normal digestive processes which occurs when the cancer becomes advanced and affects the nearby structures, which may lead to diarrhoea. Dr Mesilhy added: "Diarrhoea can also result from complications from thyroid cancer treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy. These treatments can sometimes impact the digestive system, causing temporary or long-term gastrointestinal issues.
"Being diagnosed with cancer can be emotionally and psychologically distressing. Stress and anxiety can impact the digestive system and may lead to such a presentation."
While these symptoms may not be caused by thyroid cancer, it’s important any symptoms you have are checked by a doctor, even if you’re feeling well. Cancer Research UK writes: “The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it and the more likely the treatment is to be successful.”
Dr Mesilhy echoed this, stating: "If you suspect thyroid cancer or experience persistent diarrhoea along with other concerning symptoms, I would recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and outcomes for individuals with thyroid cancer."
The NHS says visit a GP if:
You have a lump in your neck – either a new lump or an existing lump that's getting bigger
You've had a hoarse voice, sore throat or cough for more than three weeks
You have pain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck
If you’re having difficulty swallowing or breathing, ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.