Total thyroidectomy

[bbduke]

I have a multinodular goiter that is fairly large pressing on my  windpipe. I have had 2 Biopsies. Both were negative. However,my endo has suggested surgery for total removal given the size and the lack of response i had to suppression  medication. I am extremely nervous about both the surgery and potential for cancer. I have a consultation on Wednesday at University of Penn. Is there reason to worry if both my FNA and thyroglobulin level is ok?

[bbduke]

Thank you for both reponses.  I had a partial thyroidectomy on the left side at the Univeristy of Penn this past Friday.  The Doctor also discovered a substernal goiter under my breast bone and removed. He commented that it was fairly large. Although the procedure was very painful, I feel blessed to have had an expert Doctor that was confident that all will be ok.  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Thyroglobulin levels do not predict for/against cancer in nodules/goiter.
The benign FNA is reassuring, but with the compressive symptoms, surgical consulation seems appropriate.  

[dcarter31]

Most multinodular goiters are benign.  If your FNA and thyroglublin were normal then that's good news.  I remember the pressure on my windpipe and how uncomfortable it was.  I just want to say that having the surgery was a relief to not worry about it anymore.  

Your chances are very good that it's compleltly benign and you will feel better when it's out.  Not to worry you but if it were cancerous, papillary cancinoma is the most common type and it's very, very slow growing and not invasive at all.  The long-term prognosis is excellent.  I wish you the best of luck.