Abi Phillips was living a standard life for a woman in her twenties, busy with her singing career and personal life. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she discovered two lumps in her neck. “I was getting in the car to take my dog for a walk when I felt a strange tugging sensation in my neck as I bent my head,” she recalled.1 Despite a nurse’s reassurance that it was probably nothing more than post-cold lymph nodes, Abi’s instincts told her otherwise.
With Abi’s persistence, she was able to pay for a private scan. The consultant suspected the lumps were tumors and took a biopsy. Ten days later, the results confirmed thyroid cancer.
Abi’s official diagnosis was papillary thyroid cancer, a common type of thyroid cancer. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and various bodily functions. Abi’s decision to seek a private consultation was crucial. “I was so glad I went private or I’d have been waiting weeks,” Abi reflects, understanding that early detection was vital.
Abi then underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove her thyroid and lymph nodes on the right side of her neck. Given her career choice, preserving her vocal cords was a major concern for her. Her surgeon, Neil Sharma, was able to use special equipment to make sure her vocal cords went undamaged throughout the procedure. Luckily for Abi’s, her voice was preserved.
Three months later, Abi also received radioactive iodine treatment to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. This treatment required her to stay isolated in the hospital for a week due to temporary radioactivity.
Dr. Mark Vanderpump, a consultant endocrinologist, explains that thyroid cancer usually presents itself as one nodule or swelling in the thyroid gland. Symptoms can be asymptomatic and only really detected during neck examinations (which Abi pushed for) or an unrelated health scans. Essentially, unless you’re looking for it, you probably won’t find it. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, with only two to three cases per thousand in the UK annually. It’s also more common in women than men.
Recognizing symptoms early liker Abi can be life-saving. Common signs of thyroid issues include:
- A lump in the neck, which can be mistaken for swollen lymph nodes
- Chronic sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Dry skin or hair
If you notice any persistent symptoms, especially a lump in your neck, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Early detection and treatment are the key to managing thyroid disorders effectively.
Abi’s journey didn’t end with her treatment. She then faced early menopause and has continued to manage her health vigilantly. Support from her fiancé and the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust played a significant role in her recovery as well. Abi is now an advocate for others to trust their instincts and seek medical help when something feels off. “If I’d ignored mine, who knows if I’d be here now,” she emphasized. Doctors are medical professionals, but if someone feels off or wrong, it’s important to listen to your body.
Abi’s story highlights the importance of being proactive about one’s health. Trusting her instincts led to early detection and treatment of thyroid cancer, which may have ended up saving her life. If you experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or further medical testing. Your health is worth the effort.
