Woman Almost Skipped Routine Medical Appointment—Then Doctor Sees Something
Summary
Andrea Pugh-Kelley, a 31-year-old environmental scientist in Florida, was diagnosed with a rare thyroid cancer called Hurthle cell carcinoma after a routine visit to her gynecologist. The gynecologist noticed a lump on her thyroid and recommended tests that led to the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.Key Facts
- Andrea Pugh-Kelley had a routine gynecological appointment during which her doctor checked her throat.
- The doctor found a swollen nodule on her thyroid and recommended an ultrasound and thyroid tests.
- Pugh-Kelley was diagnosed with oncocytic thyroid cancer (Hurthle cell carcinoma), a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
- This type of cancer often shows no symptoms until tumors grow large, but can cause swallowing difficulties, voice changes, and lumps.
- She had a robotic thyroidectomy to remove the tumor and will have further tests but may not need more treatment.
- Pugh-Kelley had not noticed symptoms before her appointment and credits her gynecologist’s thoroughness with saving her life.
- She advises people not to skip doctor visits and to ask questions or get second opinions if something feels wrong.
- Thyroid cancer is less common in Black women, but they face higher risks of advanced disease and lower survival rates.
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