A woman who initially joked about having an ‘Adam’s apple’ on her neck was shocked to find out it was actually a 6cm cancerous tumor. Bethany Dodwell noticed the lump in her throat in 2022 but didn’t pay much attention to it at first. It wasn’t until three years later, during a visit to a pub in July 2025, that her mother pointed out the size of the lump, prompting Bethany to schedule a GP appointment.
Following the doctor’s examination, Bethany underwent an ultrasound and biopsy which revealed the presence of a lump in her neck. Despite experiencing extreme fatigue and breathing difficulties, she attributed these symptoms to her busy work routine and asthma diagnosis.
The biopsy results in September 2025 confirmed that Bethany had grade five thyroid cancer. Subsequently, she underwent surgery in December to remove her thyroid and several surrounding lymph nodes. Bethany, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, described the visible lump on her neck as a significant concern, realizing in hindsight that it might have been an early indication of thyroid cancer.
Bethany’s mom played a crucial role in identifying the lump, leading to the timely medical intervention. Bethany emphasized the importance of taking action upon noticing any unusual changes in the body and advised others to seek medical assistance promptly.
Thyroid cancer, affecting the thyroid gland in the front of the neck, is relatively rare in the UK, with a higher incidence among women. Symptoms may include a neck lump, hoarse voice, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Treatment typically involves surgery and may encompass hormone therapy, radioactive iodine treatment, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
Bethany’s experience underscores the significance of being proactive about health concerns and highlights the impact of early detection in potentially life-saving outcomes.