Abu Dhabi Hospital Makes Connection Between Common Skin Complaint and Thyroid Cancer

Patient Receives Diagnosis after Nine Years of Enduring Hives

A young patient from Dubai received a potentially life-saving diagnosis of early stage thyroid cancer during a routine consultation for hives, report physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. 

The patient, Mohamed S., had suffered from hives for more than nine years and was seeking expert advice on the treating the condition. He said: “I had been trying to find a solution to my skin condition for a very long time. So I was pleased when I learned that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi had experts who could help me to uncover the cause of my condition and work with me on a treatment plan.”

Hives, also known as urticaria, is a common and debilitating condition which manifests as a recurring skin rash that can last from several weeks to several years, interfering with patient’s daily activity, work and sleep. 

While usually not dangerous, doctors have found a connection between hives and thyroid gland dysfunction in some cases. Between 10-15 percent of patients living with hives also have an issue with their thyroid, which is the gland in the neck that produces hormones.

Mohamed explained: “The doctor gave me a thorough examination and he noticed that my thyroid gland was enlarged. I had an ultrasound and they found a growth. I was shocked when they had discovered cancer, but it probably saved my life because it was diagnosed early, and I was able to have treatment.”

Dr. Mohamed Abuzakouk, Consultant in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio explained: “This was an interesting case, because it demonstrated the link between hives and thyroid gland dysfunction and enabled us to catch cancer at an early stage.” 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is an accredited GA²LEN Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) for the research and treatment of hives. 

“We are treating a large cohort of patients’ severe chronic hives, with a range of therapies that can deliver significant improvements in their conditions. In particular, we offer patients with severe symptoms effective biologic therapies to better manage the condition in the long-term,” concluded Dr. Abuzakouk.

In addition to biologic therapies, the team also test patients to understand the trigger for their hives. In some cases, hypersensitivity or allergies cause the body to release histamine, creating symptoms such as the rash, and the physicians can advise on practical measures, such as reducing dust in the patient’s environment and avoiding situations that may trigger the condition.  

Patients who wish to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi can visit:  https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/patients-and-visitors/forms-and-documents/pages/request-an-appointment.aspx.