Thyroid cancer: Know the symptoms
Thyroid cancer is when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The thyroid gland is a small gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones. “Without treatment, cancer cells can eventually grow into surrounding healthy tissues and may spread to other areas of the body,” warns Cancer Research UK.
Knowing the early warning signs of the deadly disease is paramount for earlier treatment.
One of the main signs is a painless lump or swelling low down in the front of the neck, according to the NHS.
“However, neck lumps are common and are usually caused by a less serious condition, such as an enlarged thyroid (goitre),” explains the health body.
According to the latest figures, only around one in every 20 neck lumps are cancer.
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According to the NHS, a neck lump is more likely to be cancer if it:
Feels firm
Does not move around easily under the skin
Gets bigger over time.
“See a GP if you have a swelling or lump at the front of your neck. While it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to get it checked,” advises the health body.
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“Thyroid cancer is more common in people who had radiotherapy treatment, particularly in people treated with radiotherapy when they were children,” warns Cancer Research UK.
According to the charity, people who have low levels of iodine in their body might have a higher risk of thyroid cancer after exposure to radiation than people with normal iodine levels.
Furthermore, you have a higher risk if you have a family member with thyroid cancer, it adds.
There is also a modifiable risk factor associated with developing thyroid cancer – obesity.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, it is thought that people who are overweight may have a higher risk of getting thyroid cancer.
Causes and risk factors for thyroid cancer
The exact reason nodules grow in the thyroid gland is not known, however certain factors increase a person’s risk, and these include:
Family History. If a parent or sibling had a thyroid nodule, the chance of developing a nodule is increased
Age. The risk of developing a nodule increases as you age.
Gender. Women develop nodules more often than men
Thyroiditis. Nodules are more likely to form in people who have chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Radiation exposure to the head or neck.
Other warning signs of thyroid cancer include:
Hoarseness occurs when cancer spreads along the nerve that controls the vocal cords which run alongside the trachea and this can affect the quality of a person’s voice.
Coughing occurs due to thyroid cancer which can sometimes cause a persistent cough. A person should see their doctor if they have a cough that’s unrelated to a cold or one that doesn’t go away.
Trouble swallowing occurs if a thyroid tumour becomes large enough it then presses on the oesophagus which makes swallowing difficult.
Shortness of breath is similar to trouble swallowing and occurs if a thyroid tumour is large enough it then pushes against the windpipe and interferes with a person’s breathing.
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