Benign Surgery?

[Regalhank]

Would you please clear up some of my confusion regarding the fact that it's my understanding that a great many people have thyroid nodules they don't even know about and are not affected by.  Why, then, if a biopsy suggests that a nodule is benign do so many people have their thyroids removed surgically?  I understand that we can never be 100% positive of a benign diagnosis without removal but isn't surgery a bit severe a precaution considering all the adjusting of medication afterwards?  Would not "killing" the thyroid with iodine be sufficient?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

A benign FNA should not need to be removed unless it is large enough to cause 'compressive' symptoms like choking & hoarseness.  I-131 can shrink benign nodular thyroids in many cases.

[JudyJudy]

I was told 2 months ago after an FNA I had papillary carcinoma.  The TT on 4/10 showed no signs of cancer and pathology on second day confirmed. I have had hasimotos since 1985 and on levolyl ever since.  Is this common?

[gbecka]

I had a partial thyroidectomy on the 28/03 due to have large nodules on both my left and right side of thyroid.  I was diagnosed with a Benign tumor on the lower left and surgery was required due to tumor making my tracea deviate and causing problems with my breathing.
Prior to surgery my throid was working within normal range , now post surgery I have had 2 blood test and my throid is now not working.  I have been off work since surgery and my gp advised the earliest that I would be able to return to work is mid may at this stage.  
Seriously if I could take it all back I would rather have the breathing problems then all the stuff I'm going thru now.

[JudyJudy]

I had TT on 4/10 with pathology for papillary carcinoma.  After surgery it was determined the nodules were benign.  It is now 3 weeks later and I am still not feeling well.  Speech is extremely difficult and exertion makes breathing very difficult.  I was told it was a very difficult surgery because of scarring and adhesions.  Can anyone tell me about how long until the voice recovers?  I need the voice for my work but am not able to speak at any length.