Symptom 8. Unexplained Weight Changes: A Potential Symptom of Stage 2 Thyroid Cancer
Unexplained weight changes can be another symptom of stage 2 thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in the body’s metabolism, controlling how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and regulates how sensitive the body is to other hormones. Consequently, a disruption in the thyroid’s functions due to a growing tumor could potentially lead to weight changes.
The type of weight change, whether gain or loss, can depend on the nature of the thyroid cancer. Some people might experience unexpected weight loss, even when their eating habits haven’t changed. Others might find themselves gaining weight inexplicably. These fluctuations can often be confusing, especially when dietary habits and activity levels remain consistent.
Changes in weight are a common occurrence and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in diet, exercise, stress, and age. But unexplained and persistent weight changes could be indicative of an underlying health issue, including thyroid cancer. (8)
