We will seek out expert independent medical advice on the treatment you’ve received, put you in touch with specialist services appropriate for your needs, and guide you through the compensation claim process.
If you think your thyroid cancer diagnosis has been mishandled, please get in touch with us, to see how we can help. Claims will usually be on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Types of thyroid cancer
The thyroid is a gland that makes and releases hormones. It is made up of two halves, known as lobes, found at the base of the neck. The thyroid gland makes hormones that control the speed of your metabolic rate, and also makes a hormone that controls the amount of calcium circulating in your blood.
If these hormones are low, you will become tired and put on weight. If they are high, you will have an increased appetite and lose weight.
Thyroid cancer is quite a rare cancer and usually only found in one lobe. More common in women than men, you are at increased risk if there is a family history of thyroid cancer.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer:
- The most common is known as papillary thyroid cancer – a slow-growing cancer usually found in people under the age of 40
- Follicular thyroid cancer is less common, usually diagnosed in people over 40
- Rarer types include medullary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer symptoms
The symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:
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- A lump at the base of your neck
- A hoarse voice that lasts more than a few weeks
- A sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t get better
- A lump elsewhere in your neck
Going to your doctor
The earlier that thyroid cancer is diagnosed, the better the likely outcome.
When you see your GP with any of the above symptoms they will examine your neck and ask about your symptoms and general health. They may ask you to have a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels, or send you for an ultrasound scan. If they suspect cancer they may refer you directly to a hospital specialist.
When you see a specialist they will ask about your symptoms and examine you. If you have not already had them, you will need to have blood tests. You may also have an ultrasound scan, or a needle biopsy.
A needle biopsy is used to take a small amount of tissue from the thyroid, so that the sample can be looked at under a microscope to find out whether it is cancer. On some occasions, a surgical biopsy under general anaesthetic may be required.
Once your results have come through, you will be asked to go to the hospital to discuss them.
Thyroid cancer misdiagnosis
The earlier thyroid cancer is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of a better outcome. Given this, it is imperative that you are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
There may be a delay in receiving a diagnosis, where:
- You have had symptoms, and your GP doesn’t examine you or, where appropriate, refer you to a specialist
- An abnormal test result isn’t actioned properly
- A test report is incorrect
- The doctor misdiagnoses your symptoms as something else
Bolt Burdon Kemp give expert advice on all kinds of cancer misdiagnosis and treatment issues. We understand how difficult this process can be, so will provide as much support as we possibly can. Have a look at our success stories to see how we support our clients.
While we know that financial compensation cannot make up for the failing in your treatment, it can give you and your family more security. Compensation is paid both for the effects of the misdiagnosis and other financial losses.
A late cancer diagnosis may mean you need extra medical treatment and private care that otherwise would not have been needed. We can help recover compensation to pay for this.
