Likelihood of recurrance in other side

[rmpc98]

Hi Dr. Lupo,

I just wanted to thank you for all your advice regarding my thyroid nodule.  I recently had a right thyroidectomy and the  pathology results came back showing a benign follicular adenoma.  I'm very relieved with the findings as it has been a long and difficult past 6 mths.  I have a some questions:

- does the previous development of a thyroid nodule on my right lobe now increase the likelihood of occurrence on the left lobe?

- what are the percentages as to whether the remaining left thyroid be capable of sustaining thyroid hormone production for my body?  

Thank you for your help!
  

    

[Court0604]

my initial TSH level was 406.5 how bad is that?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There is a chance of nodules on the left, so periodic ultrasound is reasonable.
There is about a 70% chance the left lobe will carry the load in terms of hormone production.