'Silent killer' symptoms as thyroid cancer takes over four years to diagnose

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Thyroid cancer can take years to diagnose as symptoms often overlap with a range of other conditions.The cancer affects the thyroid gland at the base of the neck, with the most common symptom a small, painless lump around the site.

And according to a new study by academics at the University of Aberdeen, it takes 4.5 years on average for sufferers to be officially diagnosed.The research, which collaborated with several thyroid charities, examined the experience of almost 1,200 patients, found that nearly two thirds of cases required multiple appointments as well as worsening symptoms in order for a diagnosis to be given, reports the Mirror.The thyroid is small gland shaped like a butterfly that is found in the neck.

Positioned just in front of the windpipe - the trachea - the thyroid impacts various things such as your heart rate and body temperature.

One key function is the production of hormones in order to regulate metabolism - the process that turns food consumed into energy for the body to use.