A doctor has issued a warning about an illness that was once considered rare but is now becoming increasingly common. It has symptoms that can easily be overlooked and potentially lead to fatal consequences.
Dr Ahmed, a British GP, shared that thyroid cancer was “previously very rare” but has become “more common”, adding that he’s seeing more of his own patients being diagnosed. Thyroid cancer, a disease characterised by abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland, is “on the rise”.
He posted a video for his TikTok followers in which he claims numbers are expected to increase “more than any other type of cancer” over the next five years. The medical expert highlighted some red flag symptoms to watch out for, including the most common – a small lump in the lower neck that grows larger over time
People should also look out for a hoarse voice or sore throat lasting more than four weeks, difficulty swallowing and a feeling like something is pressing against the neck. Dr Ahmed also mentioned other rarer symptoms that could indicate a thyroid issue and potentially point to cancer like a persistently flushed red face, looser than normal stools, or unexplained weight loss.
He urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. Early detection of cancer increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Cancer Research UK explained online that a series of tests are typically conducted to check for thyroid cancer. If diagnosed, these tests can assist your doctor in determining the appropriate treatment.
Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in women than men, peaking between the ages of 40 and 44 in women. In contrast, men are more likely to develop thyroid cancer between the ages of 70 and 74.
Surgery is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer, but healthcare experts will discuss if other methods may be suitable depending on your overall health and the stage, location, and size of the cancer.