Hurthle Cell findings- So upset

Hi everyone:
I just had an FNA after my US showed three nodules in my right lobe- one very large.

I was not initially worried about the mass I had in my neck b/c I had a partial Thyroidectomy 12 yrs ago becuase of benign nodules. I also had a baby in January and thought maybe my hormones were out of wack-- I know I should not of self-diagnosed.

Well I went for my biopsy Monday, my doc assured me that I had no worries for cancer based on my age (30) and history of nodules that were benign.

She called me on THurs telling me I had a ton of Hurthle cells and hardly Thyroid cells and for me not to worry.. she is sending my slides to Yale for a 2nd look and also wants me to get a TT in the fall. She's making an appointment with a surgeon one of the best in my area out of Yale New Haven Hosp.... Dr. Julie Sosa.

I did not research oHuthle cells b/c I did not even know how to spell it and then my sis-in-law sent me a link and I am now a total mess and think I am not going to be here to raise my 6 month old.

Please help me... everything on Hurthle cells is so negative--- i also have  normally functioning thyroid. I am scared to death.

Cheryl :(

[mommy2two2008]

I wish I had some great words of wisdom for you Cheryl I can see your worry in your post.  I just wanted to say welcome to the community and there aree plenty of wonderful people here to guide you on your journey.  Hugs and I am sure someone with more knowledge on the subject will post for you.  If they don't, its not that they don't care, they probably just missed it.  If your post goes down too far, just bump yourself by posting again in this thread so someone will see and be able to answer.  I have had much comfort with my swelling thyroid by coming here and I am sure you will too.  Take care ~Kim

[Cherylm203]

Thank you so much, Kim.... I have so many bad things happen since right before my son was born and I am taking this news worst than I think I normally would.

[mommy2two2008]

I know what you mean, my thyroid started swelling out of the blue and then I had to have a mammo and US this week and they found a cyst and nodule in my right breast.  Have a 2nd opinion next week on the mammo and US, but my thyroid is still a mystery.  I had a few crappy docs and hoping to get that under control soon.  Take care of yourself ~Kim

[dscoochie]

Hurthle cells can be benign cells  dont freak out!

I had hurthle cells in my FNA, and I was sure that my nodule would be hurthle cell cancer, but it wasnt, it was papillary cancer.  Sorry if this scares you, but what I'm trying to tell you is that just because you have hurthle cells, doesnt mean you have cancer at all, and if it is thyroid cancer, its most likely NOT hurthle cell cancer.  Hurthle cell cancer mostly occurs in the elderly and men.  

There is an excellent web site, ***.com that explains hurthle cells well.  

I hope you are feeling better tonight.

D

[utahmomma]

As was mentioned, Hurthle cells can, and cannot, mean cancer.  You really don't know if it is benign or not until removed.

If it is Hurthle cell cancer it is basically follicular variant which is *TREATABLE* by radioactive iodine (RAI)

http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html

Please don't confuse it with the more deadly forms of thyroid cancer (medullary and anaplastic) - this is NOT those types.

Papillary and follicular forms of cancer (including Hurthle cell) are very slow growing and very treatable.  You'll get to spend a very long time with your baby.

Take a deep breath and give that beautiful little guy a big thyroid forum hug from us!

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma
three sisters with papillary carcinoma
one sister with precancerous thyroid
daughter with precancerous thyroid

[redheadaussie]

Hi, I had similar thing happen to me, left side out then the FNA showed Hurthle's Cells. When ever you google hurthle cells it is quite scary coz it always shows cancer. BUT it is like most things usually benign and rarely cancer.
  Best bet is the TT and be done with it. I didn't need any RAI as the cells were still contained in the nodules, (luckily!)
  So try not to freak out too badly! Be glad they found it!

[Cherylm203]

Thanks D!!!
I can't tell you how much everyone's quick responses have helped me b/c I really had myself dead and buried. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I was not expecting it to be anything serious b/c my doc was not terribly worried.

I was well educated on thyroid cancers and put at ease by my Endo... I did not think these cells were potentially dangerous... but I have to realize I will be fine. My doc seems persistant on the second review of the biopsy results and the surgeon.

Thanks again!

[Cherylm203]

Thanks for the response... it has really meant the world to me... I really was a mess!!!

I will hug my little one for you guys.... I have to do whatever I can to be here for him.
Instead of waiting until November, i may ask to go nect month! I want it out!!

[Cherylm203]

Hi!! Thanks for the response... glad to hear your situation was similar and you are fine!

I was reading your profile.... why did you need two thyroid surgeries within 6mos of eachother? Was it due to the H cells?

[redheadaussie]

First one was a large nodule which on FNA showed indeterminate. Surgeon was a bit worried it could be a cancer. It was Follicular Adenoma with changes..meaning it was turning cancerous. We left the right side alone for a few months till it started swelling up and choking me to death! FNA showed the Hurthle Cells and away I went for surgery again! Lucky me!