In a shocking turn of events, medical student Sally Rohan discovered her own thyroid cancer during a class at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey. The 27-year-old student had an operation on December 6 to remove her entire thyroid gland, marking her first noticeable scar.

Rohan, originally from Ukiah, California, made the accidental discovery in November 2022 while acting as a patient in a class on ultrasound examination of the thyroid. As she and her classmates were learning the procedure, Rohan noticed that her own thyroid appeared abnormal on the monitor.

Concerned about what she saw, Rohan sought advice from an instructor who identified it as a nodule and recommended further evaluation from her primary care doctor. However, due to pending changes in her health insurance coverage, Rohan had to wait for diagnostic imaging and a more thorough examination.

During this time, Rohan focused on her studies and wasn't overly concerned, given that her thyroid levels appeared normal and the survival rate for papillary thyroid cancer, which she was later diagnosed with, is over 99%. She eventually received an ultrasound a couple of months ago, following the acquisition of health insurance and a new primary care doctor.

Shockingly, while playing pickleball with friends, Rohan received a notification from her medical records app revealing that the radiologist had observed several nodules in her thyroid suspicious for cancer, which had also spread to her cervical lymph nodes.

Undeterred, Rohan promptly scheduled a biopsy and confirmed her fears - the nodules were indeed cancerous. She then arranged a surgery with a specialist experienced in thyroid and adrenal gland surgeries, who accommodated her school schedule to minimize disruption.

Though not yet fully free of the disease, Rohan remains optimistic and hopeful. She will need to continue taking a thyroid hormone to compensate for the missing gland. During her cancer journey, she learned the importance of empathy and believes it will shape how she serves her future patients as a physician.

Rohan's experience highlights the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare. It serves as a reminder that even medical professionals can be affected by unexpected health conditions. As she continues on her path to becoming a doctor, Rohan's story will undoubtedly inspire her to provide compassionate care to those she encounters.

While Rohan's case may have been a surprise, her resilience and determination in facing the challenges of her diagnosis serve as a reminder for everyone to prioritize their health and advocate for proactive medical care.