Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, but it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease, as early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment
Thyroid cancer – which claims approximately 410 lives annually in the UK – can be effectively treated if detected early.
The disease originates in the thyroid gland, situated at the front lower part of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature and metabolism – the process of converting food into energy.
Often dubbed a ‘silent killer’, it takes an average of 4.5 years for patients to receive a diagnosis, according to researchers at the University of Aberdeen, due to symptom overlap with other conditions. Women are at a higher risk than men, with one in 170 females and one in 332 males likely to develop the disease, says Cancer Research UK.
Nearly 85 per cent of those diagnosed will survive for a decade or more if the disease is caught and treated early, emphasising the importance of symptom awareness.
The NHS has highlighted the main symptoms of thyroid cancer to watch out for, these include:
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A lump in the front, lower part of your neck – the lump usually feels hard, slowly gets bigger and is not painful
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A hoarse voice
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A sore throat
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Pain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your neck.
The health body has also highlighted other ‘lesser-known’ warning signs of the disease, such as softer stools or diarrhoea. Frequent loose bowel movements could be a sign of a rare type of thyroid cancer, known as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), which accounts for around five to 10 per cent of cases.
Dr Sara Mesilhy, a gastroenterologist at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “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.”
She added that the hormonal imbalance caused by thyroid cancers disrupts normal body mechanisms, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal system, leading to changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea. The doctor further 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.”
Another key factor is the disruption of normal digestive processes, which can occur when the cancer progresses and impacts nearby structures, potentially leading to diarrhoea. Dr Mesilhy explained: “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 advises: “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, saying: “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:
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You have a lump in your neck – either a new lump or an existing lump that’s getting bigger
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You’ve had a hoarse voice, sore throat or cough for more than three weeks
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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.
