Suspected Papilliary Thryoid Cancer - benign(?)

[ClaireD]

Dear Dr Lupo
5 weeks ago I had a total thyroidectomy as the 3cm nodule which was buried within the right lobe of my thyroid was 'highly suspicious' following an FNA.  I also had a small nodule on my left lobe. After the surgeon and endocrinologist reviewed FNA results they said it was conclusive that it was cancer.  However, the biopsy results after the operation have shown that it is benign and is a 'hyperplastic nodule'.  This biopsy took place at a different hospital to the FNA and I can't help but worry that they may have got the results wrong.  The surgeon said that when he removed my thyroid that to look at the lump it looked suspicious but after feeling the texture he wasn't sure that it was cancerous.  I met with my endocrinologist on Monday but didn't feel comfortable asking whether I could get the thyroid re-tested (I assume they keep the thyroid for a while in case of further testing) as they probably think I am being paranoid.  Do you think I should meet with another endocrinologist and discuss with them or should I trust what they are saying?  I just have a 'gut feeling' that I should check this out further - even if just to put my mind at rest.  What do you think?

[ClaireD]

Thank you so much for your help with this.  I will speak to my endocrinologist and ask for the specimen to be retested.  Unfortunately I live in the UK so will have to ask for the specimen to be tested locally.

Thank you once again.

C

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

With the discrepancies in the FNA and surgical specimens -- would have the surgical specimen sent for second opinion.  Johns Hopkins and U Penn both do a nice job with these.