Industry Star Marisa Abela’s Battle Puts Spotlight on Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Actress Marisa Abela was just 23 when she found out that she had thyroid cancer. This diagnosis led to an eight-hour operation to remove the tumor from her neck and was followed up with radioactive iodine treatment.
Abela is now 29 and in remission. However, she needs to take medication for the rest of her life.
According to People.com, doctors spotted a lump on Abela’s neck after she had been dealing with unusual fatigue.
Abela spoke about the emotional aftermath, from being worried about whether the surgery would affect her voice to whether the scar would hold her back in any way.
For actors, image is part of the job, whether we like that or not, and stories like this are a reminder that celebrity life is often as fragile as everyone else’s.
What has Marisa Abela been in?
Many people will know Abela from HBO’s hit show Industry, a drama about young finance workers trying to survive a brutal workplace. In the show, she plays Yasmin Kara-Hanani. She also drew major attention for playing Amy Winehouse in the biopic Back to Black.
For those who don’t keep up with streaming shows, Abela is a young British actress who seems to be everywhere, and for good reason. So when someone on the rise comes forward and talks about their cancer battle and the real-world fears they had, it’s worth covering.
What thyroid cancer is
The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that helps control things like heart rate, body temperature, and weight through hormone production.
When cells in that gland change and grow abnormally, they can form a tumor.
The good news is that many thyroid cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught before they spread.
What are the symptoms?
The Mayo Clinic says thyroid cancer often causes no symptoms early on. As it grows, signs can include:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain in the neck or throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
The Cleveland Clinic states that some people may notice general neck swelling or persistent changes that don’t go away.
Abela’s story is personal, but it also points to something useful: that we should all pay attention to changes in our bodies. Whether it be a lump, unusual fatigue, or voice changes, every little thing can matter, and if they stack up, they’re worth reporting to a doctor.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
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