Ali Fedotowsky-Manno shared a fresh update about her husband Kevin Manno’s thyroid health this week, revealing that doctors found a new area on the remaining half of his thyroid that will be monitored closely. The former Bachelorette star described the discovery as unsettling, since their journey began when a similar “spot to watch” led to a cancer diagnosis last year.
Latest update from the family: a new area under watch
On Jan. 23, Ali used Instagram Stories to tell followers that a recent ultrasound revealed a spot on the remaining half of Kevin’s thyroid that “we need to watch.” She noted the emotional weight of the finding, pointing out that the couple first discovered his cancer after a small spot was identified and followed.
Ali, 41, and Kevin, 42, have been open about the timeline and tests since his diagnosis. The new ultrasound did not immediately indicate malignancy, but the couple and their doctors plan to observe the area over time.
How the cancer was first discovered and treated
From screening to surgery
The first abnormality appeared on a whole-body Prenuvo scan in 2024. That scan picked up two suspicious spots on Kevin’s thyroid despite normal blood work and no symptoms.
Doctors recommended a year of monitoring. When an ultrasound later showed that one lesion had doubled in size, a biopsy followed and confirmed papillary thyroid cancer.
- 2024: Prenuvo scan detected two thyroid spots.
- Follow-up ultrasound showed growth of one lesion.
- Biopsy confirmed papillary thyroid cancer.
- February 2025: Kevin underwent surgery to remove half of his thyroid.
- Two weeks after surgery, pathology results reported he was cancer-free.
What doctors found in January 2025 and what’s next
Although pathology after the surgery came back negative, the latest ultrasound identified a new area on the side of the gland that remains. Ali framed the news as cautious optimism, with medical teams opting for surveillance rather than immediate intervention.
She emphasized the importance of follow-up imaging because the pattern mirrors how the original problem was first flagged. The family and clinicians will track any changes in the spot’s size or appearance to determine future steps.
Symptoms, detection and what experts say
Kevin had no outward signs of thyroid disease when tests first picked up abnormalities. That mirrors clinical practice: thyroid cancer often emerges without obvious symptoms.
Common signs doctors look for
- A lump or nodule at the front of the neck.
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Neck pain that may radiate to the ears.
- Voice changes, breathing or swallowing difficulties.
- A persistent cough, sometimes with blood.
The American Thyroid Association notes that neck exams are a routine way physicians detect suspicious nodules. Blood tests such as TSH often remain normal even when cancer is present, so imaging and biopsies are key.
What the numbers show about thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer diagnoses have been tracked carefully. The National Cancer Institute reported about 44,020 new thyroid cancer cases in 2024, representing roughly 2.2% of all new cancer diagnoses that year.
Most thyroid cancers, particularly papillary types, are considered highly treatable when managed promptly.
Family context and public reaction
Ali and Kevin married in March 2017. They share two children: daughter Molly and son Riley. Throughout Kevin’s diagnosis and recovery, Ali has documented hospital visits and shared moments of humor and gratitude on social media.
Before surgery, Ali posted a photo of Kevin heading into the operating room and wrote about the couple leaning on laughter and community support. After surgery, they announced that pathology results were negative and celebrated the initial news that he was cancer-free.
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Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.