Car accident leads to discovery of thyroid cancer

I chose thyroid cancer as today’s subject because my brother and I were just talking about a cousin of ours who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was in her late 20s or early 30s. She had just given birth to her third child.

As I was doing research, I came across this article published in August by UC Health which is an affiliate of the University of Colorado. The story mirrored that of our cousin:

“For eight years, Leidy Mondalve lived with the feeling that something was not right with her health. Her energy would suddenly drop, and her weight gain seemed to have no explanation.

Once a dynamic and active woman, she became someone who felt exhausted most of the time.

“By age 36, recurring energy crashes were affecting not only her daily routine, but also her mood and — eventually — her relationship with her partner. Between work responsibilities and demands of family life, Leidy’s health took a back seat.”

Then in July 2025, she was involved in a car accident which landed her in the emergency department first, then hospitalized for three days. She suffered a fractured sternum that was discovered during diagnostic imaging, but that wasn’t all they found.

“As a result of the collision, Leidy suffered a fractured sternum, an injury that typically does not require surgery and, in most cases, heals gradually with time. However, the imaging tests also revealed a nodule on the left side of her thyroid gland — an abnormal growth of cells — a condition that typically causes no symptoms and, in up to 95% of cases, is benign. Leidy was not among the majority.”

We all know, I assume, that the thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck and produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help the body use energy, maintain body temperature and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs functioning properly, according to the American Thyroid Association.”

The American Cancer Society tells us that overall, thyroid cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the U.S. About 44,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year. 

“Leidy was referred to Dr. Jennifer Morrison, an endocrinologist who specializes in benign thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, diabetes and metabolism. To determine whether the nodules were cancerous, Dr. Morrison performed a fine-needle aspiration, a type of biopsy, removing small tissue samples for laboratory testing. The biopsy results confirmed the most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma.

“As Leidy processed the news, she couldn’t stop thinking about the times she had considered seeking medical care years earlier but decided to wait. ‘If I had sought medical care eight years ago, I would probably only be taking medication to manage thyroid problems,’ Leidy said. ‘I don’t think I would have developed cancer if I had acted sooner.’”

She was lucky, though, the cancer cells that spread from the thyroid gland to the neck appeared to be confined there. Her treatment plan included surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy.

“Because small amounts of radiation remain in the body for a short period of time, patients must temporarily limit close contact with others to reduce radiation exposure. For Leidy, that meant days of isolation. She couldn’t work, and she couldn’t see her friends while she recovered. The isolation took both an emotional and financial toll.”

For my cousin, it meant that she couldn’t hold or breast feed her baby. It meant that she couldn’t be near, much less hug, her other girls. It was a difficult time for her as well.

ACS says that about 98 percent of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer survive past the critical five-year mark making it one of the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early. Fortunately, both women, with the help of life-long medications, are doing fine.

“When you notice even the smallest sign that something doesn’t feel right, make a medical appointment,” Leidy said. “It’s always better to see a doctor right away so you can find out what’s happening and get treatment if you need it.”

I second that motion. If you have a lump or swelling in the front or side of the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or breathing, a cough with an unknown source or fatigue, talk to your primary care provider about getting tested for thyroid cancer.

Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected].