It depends. There is no strict size cut-off for surgery. If the FNA is benign and there are no compressive symptoms then sometimes for nodules >3cm I repeat the FNA as a second FNA that is benign improves the sensititvity for large nodules.
i am unsure of what you mean by "improves the sensitivity for large nodules." Please explain. Also, I am always tired and have very little energy. Even though my thyroid readins are in the normal range, could the tumor impact how I feel? Thank you.
2 sets of negative FNA makes the "negative" part more likely. One negative FNA carries about a 7% risk of cancer according to a recent study. So on larger nodules or nodules with suspicious ultrasound features may require a second biopsy.
The nodule is not likely impacting energy levels if the thyroid function is normal.
thank you for your comments thus far. What is the risk in leaving this size nodule alone and just following up in 6 months? Also, I have a second nodule on the left side (7mm, ill-defined borders) that we are going to follow every 6 months. I wonder if it is advisable to watch both and make a decision later....depends on the risk of leaving the large nodule intact. I would like to avoid further complications or difficulty removing it should it continue to grow. Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.