Doctor shares the first red flag sign of thyroid cancer to spot

Thyroid cancer: Know the symptoms Targeting around 3,900 adults every year in the UK, thyroid cancer is the 20th most common cancer. Found in the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, this type of cancer is more common in women than in men, according to Cancer Research UK. As with many other cancers, the sooner thyroid cancer is detected, the better the prognosis, Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told Express.co.uk. Therefore, symptom awareness is front and centre especially since the first sign ‘is usually painless’. The doctor shared that the first red flag usually strikes in the front of your neck, just below and in front of the Adam’s apple. Doctor shares the first red flag sign of thyroid cancer to spot. She said: ‘The first sign of thyroid cancer is usually a painless swelling in the front of the neck. ‘The swelling is often hard or firm to touch and is slowly enlarging.’ The good news is that most people with a lump in their neck won’t have thyroid cancer. Fortunately, other symptoms could hold clues. Thyroid cancer can eventually cause a persistent cough. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info As the thyroid cancer grows, it starts pressing down on surrounding structures. Dr Lee said: ‘This gives rise to pain in the neck, hoarseness of the voice and difficulty swallowing. ‘In due course, it can cause a persistent cough and shortness of breath. ‘Thyroid cancer can cause systemic symptoms including diarrhoea, facial flushing and weight loss.’ Trending Cancer signs and symptoms to look out for.