follicular epithelial cells are the cells of the thyroid. microfollicles are small arrangements of these cells and are present in follicular lesions (ie follicular adenomas and follicular cancers). Macrofollicles are associated with benign nodules.
15-20% of these types of nodules are cancer, but the key is the read on the needle FNA -- many pathologists will call something indeterminate -- kind of as a CYA....I would recommend sending the slides to an expert -- eg U Penn, U Florida (Dr. Massoll) or John Hopkins for a second opinion before going to surgery.
Of course if the nodule is causing symptoms, surgery may be indicated even if the FNA is clearly benign.
There is no one right answer as to the initial surgery of a follicular lesion (indeterminate FNA) -- most opt for hemithyroidectomy, but if there are nodules on the other side then a total is reasonable as the initial surgery --- patient preference plays a role in this decision.
Let me add: all bloods including TSH levels were normal.
Em