Micro papillary thyroid cancer

[Sese0213]

I had a total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter and the biopsy showed papillary cancer .08 cm. in size.  Because it is so small, the surgeon doesn't feel further treatment is needed other than a neck ultrasound yearly for a couple of years.  Do you agree or should anything else be checked so it doesn't reappear?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would consult with an endocrinologist, but for these incidental micro-cancers - as described - radioactive iodine is not usually needed and followup ultrasound (and perhaps thyroglobulin levels) should be considered.

[Sese0213]

Actually, I had several nodules that they measured on the ultrasound.  The biggest was 3.4 cm, and a couple others were 1.5 cm.  The Dr. knew the right side needed to be removed and he said he would see what the left side looked like at the time of surgery and determine if it could remain.  He said there were too many tiny nodules and I would end up coming back to have it removed.  That's how I ended up with the TT.  The cancer was in one of the small nodules on the left side.  No other history of thyroid cancer or male/female CA in the family.  My Dad had non-hodgkin's lymphoma, that's all.  I did not elect to do a needle biopsy because I read that 30% are indeterminate anyway and just because a biopsy comes back "okay", it doesn't mean it's not elsewhere in that nodule, just not where they stuck the needle.  How are your thyroid levels?      

[melmasielloi50]

A related discussion, mircro carcinoma size 1mm was started.

[ChitChatNine]

I had 2 incidental micro's found during a partial in '07 they were papillary micros.  I still have other side intact after 6 opinions.  I'm stable for 2yrs via ultrasound ev. 6 mos.  The other side still has a 4.0 heterogenious nodule in place.  We watch it carefully.

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Co Community Leader Thyroid
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[Sese0213]

Thanks, I read about the thyroglobulin levels and will follow up with an endo.  Sounds like the prudent thing to do.

[abby84]

Did you anyone in your family have thyroid issues or other female/ male CA?
I am wait for biopsy results and i have multi-nodular and a goiter but the node they biopsy was 2 cm and the others they state are smaller and we should wait? How did your md know to go ahead and biopsy? they told me they usually only biopsy 1.5cm and bigger? I have a rash around my throat and upper chest area that wont go away Worse since biopsy. Did you have this problem?              Thankyou, Abby