Abi Phillips’ story is a testament to the power of trusting one’s own instincts. At 28, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer—a condition that was only detected because she insisted on getting a deeper medical investigation despite reassurances from healthcare professionals that it wasn’t anything serious. Here is Abi’s journey, the symptoms to watch for, and advice on when to seek medical attention.
1. The Unexpected Discovery
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.
2. The Diagnosis and Initial Concerns
Abi 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.
3. Surgery and Treatment
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.
4. Understanding Thyroid Cancer
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.
5. Symptoms and When to See a Doctor
