A woman who made a casual remark about having an ‘Adam’s apple’ on her neck was shocked to learn it was a 6cm cancerous tumor. Bethany Dodwell initially noticed the lump in her throat in 2022 but didn’t pay much attention to it. The presence of an Adam’s apple, more common in men, is a projection in the neck formed by the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx.
It wasn’t until three years later, during a visit to a pub in July 2025, that Bethany’s mother pointed out the size of the lump, prompting her to schedule a GP appointment. The 25-year-old received confirmation from her doctor of the lump and underwent further investigations with an ultrasound and biopsy due to extreme fatigue and breathing difficulties she had been experiencing.
Following the biopsy results in September 2025, Bethany was diagnosed with grade five thyroid cancer. In December, she underwent surgery to remove her thyroid and several nearby lymph nodes. She is set to commence radioactive iodine treatment in early February.
Reflecting on her experience, Bethany from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, recalled her past observation of the lump resembling an Adam’s apple. She emphasized the crucial role her mother played in encouraging her to seek medical attention after noticing the lump last summer.
Bethany’s journey highlights the importance of paying attention to unusual symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly. Thyroid cancer, primarily found in the thyroid gland at the front of the neck, can manifest through various symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, and neck pain. Treatment may involve surgery, hormone therapy, or other interventions depending on the cancer’s type and severity.
Bethany encourages others to listen to their bodies and not hesitate to seek medical help if something feels amiss. She credits her mother for potentially saving her life by prompting her to address the concerning lump.
