Veteran rocker Rod Stewart underwent a throat operation in Los Angeles earlier this month to remove a growth on his thyroid that the singer originally feared was a sign of cancer, according to the U.K. tabloid "The Sun."

After doctors discovered a growth on his thyroid during a routine examination, Stewart, 55, reportedly feared that the lump would affect his voice.

In early May, after undergoing a one-hour surgical procedure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, the veteran singer was told that the lump was not malignant.

"[Rod] had been terrified about anything happening to his voice," a source told "The Sun," "but it's fine, and he's been in the studio working. He's in great spirits at the moment. He was so fit, he was playing football the day after surgery."

Stewart is reportedly recording a new album with producer K-Gee and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, among others.