‘Hard to spot’ cancer that can go undetected for years | UK | News

The public is being warned to be on the lookout for subtle signs of a rare cancer type that can go unnoticed for extended periods. Papillary thyroid cancer, the most prevalent form of thyroid malignancy, is known for its slow progression.

Often eluding detection due to a lack of clear symptoms in the initial stages, papillary thyroid cancer is usually only discovered incidentally during routine medical examinations or while investigating other health issues.

Experts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center highlight that individuals with papillary thyroid cancer « often have symptoms that they dismiss for years until receiving a diagnosis ». The organisation notes that while this type is the most common and least aggressive, other thyroid cancers like anaplastic or poorly differentiated variants are far more severe.

Papillary thyroid cancer typically develops slowly in one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The organisation emphasises: « Patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer often have symptoms that they dismiss for years until receiving a diagnosis. »

As reported by Surrey Live, signs to watch for include:

• Lump or nodule: A painless lump or nodule in the front of the neck that may or may not be noticeable.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing: If the tumour presses on the oesophagus or trachea.
• Hoarseness or voice changes: A persistent or worsening hoarseness.
• Neck pain or discomfort: Pain or a feeling of pressure in the neck.
• Persistent cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or is not caused by a cold or other respiratory infection.
• Other symptoms: Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, or rapid heart rate in some cases.

In contrast, rarer and more aggressive thyroid cancers, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer or poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, present more abruptly, often as a large lump that emerges over weeks or months.

A study by the University of Aberdeen has uncovered that it typically takes around 4.5 years to diagnose a thyroid condition, with those suffering from hypothyroidism facing even longer delays. Almost two-thirds of participants revealed they required multiple appointments and experienced worsening symptoms before receiving a diagnosis.

The NHS categorises thyroid cancer as a « rare form of cancer », making up less than 1% of all cancer cases in the UK. The health service states: « It’s most common in people aged 35 to 39 years and in those aged 70 years or over. Women are two to three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. »

Identifying thyroid cancer can be a complex process. Symptoms are often vague and can mimic those of other, less serious illnesses, meaning you could unknowingly have thyroid cancer for months or even years.

Thyroid cancer explained:

This cancer type originates in the thyroid gland, located at the lower part of your neck, just beneath the voice box and above the windpipe. The thyroid is vital in our bodies, producing and releasing hormones that aid digestion and support heart and muscle health. It generates three primary hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin.

A series of tests are typically conducted to identify thyroid cancer. If cancer is found, these tests will aid your doctor in deciding the best course of treatment. The tests may include:

• An ultrasound scan to create an image of your thyroid gland
• A biopsy to examine a sample of cells from your thyroid
• Scans, such as a CT or MRI, to check if the cancer has spread

What do the symptoms look like?

According to the NHS, this type of cancer is relatively rare and tends to affect women more than men. In fact, women are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer compared to men.

The reasons for this gender disparity remain unclear, but it could be related to hormonal changes within the female reproductive system.

The most common symptoms 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

Other symptoms can include:

• a red face (flushing) – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
• softer poos or diarrhoea
• weight loss
• a cough

These symptoms often overlap and can resemble other health conditions, so experiencing any of them does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, it’s always advisable to consult your doctor to rule out any possibilities.

Are certain people at risk of getting it?

Thyroid cancer can affect anyone, and its exact causes are often unknown. However, certain lifestyle factors may increase your risk. You might be at a higher risk if:

• You are a woman who has not yet gone through menopause.
• You have a family history of thyroid cancer, including siblings or parents.
• You have had significant exposure to radiation or received radiotherapy in the past.
• You have previously been diagnosed with specific cancers, such as breast, oesophagal, or testicular cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• You suffer from thyroid-related conditions, such as goitre, Hashimoto’s disease, or non-cancerous nodules on or in your thyroid.

Are there different types of thyroid cancer?

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form. The specific type of thyroid cancer is determined by the cell from which the cancer originates. There are several types of thyroid cancer, including:

• papillary thyroid cancer
• follicular thyroid cancer
• oncocytic cell (hurthle cell) thyroid cancer
• medullary thyroid cancer
• anaplastic thyroid cancer

Can I lower my chances of thyroid cancer?

While thyroid cancer prevention isn’t always feasible, adopting healthier lifestyle choices can help lower your risk of developing it and other types of cancer. This could involve shedding excess weight if you’re overweight, restricting your alcohol consumption to a maximum of 14 units weekly, and giving up smoking.

It’s crucial to have any potential symptoms of thyroid cancer examined by a GP. For further information and assistance, visit the NHS website or the British Thyroid Foundation website. Macmillan Cancer Support operates a free helpline open daily from 8am to 8pm. They’re available to listen if you need someone to talk to. Call 0808 808 00 00.

What does testing for thyroid cancer entail?

If your GP refers you to a specialist, you may need additional tests and scans to explore the likelihood of thyroid cancer. These tests might include blood tests, a neck ultrasound, and a biopsy, which involves using a needle to extract a small sample from your thyroid gland for cancer examination. However, bear in mind that not all these tests may be necessary.

Your test results may take up to two weeks to come through. If the wait is causing you anxiety, try to remain calm; a delay doesn’t automatically mean there’s an issue.

If you’re worried, reach out to the hospital or your GP for an update. A specialist will go over your results with you and discuss the next steps. It could be beneficial to bring along a friend or family member for support.

The main approach to treatment is surgery, which can either involve taking out just the affected lobe (known as lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy) or the complete thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy). After surgery, radioactive iodine therapy might also be utilised. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is highly treatable and seldom leads to death, boasting an excellent survival rate.