Alternatives to Thyroid Removal?

[lilyfair]

I was diagnosed with a benign thyroid nodule that is either 2.8 or 3.8 in size. It is ovular. Originally the doctor had said that it was 2.8 but today rechecked the test results and said 3.8. With 2.8 and benign, it doesn't need removal. If 3.8, it's strongly recommended. My blood test results were normal. Aside from finding out what the reading is, because the doctor won't admit he said 2.8 originally and it hasn't grown in a week (he said today that it hadn't and the numbers are the same. Still suspicious why he kept saying 2.8 the last time. Not just once and had the test results themselves in front of him), I'm wonding if I should just go ahead with the sugery. Or if there are alternatives to zap the nodule so its no longer an issue. I'm 32 years old, female, and in relatively good health. There is no family history of this and I'm confused and worried.

[stella5349]

I can't blame you on that. I would like that either if I was told all this either.

Did you have autoimmune testing? - Get that done first.

[lilyfair]

This all started with a middle ear infection (something I've always been more prone to along with Swimmer's Ear) that I was sent to an ENT (ear nose & throat doc) to look into why it wasn't clearing up with Immoxocillan (sp?) He did the normal look into the ears and prescibed me a different antibiotic. During the exam he checked the thyroid, something I've never really had done in depth.

He then asked who does my xrays and when was the last time I had my thyroid levels checked in a blood test. The last xray I got was on a broken toe over 4 years ago and was done by an orthopedist. The last thyroid levels checked in a blood test I didn't know. I would guess my last physical, but again not sure.

He tells me he feels a lump in my neck and he'd like to send me to get an ultrasound to check it out.

I do, and go back. He said  at that appointment that its ovular, so there's 3 measurements, but the most important one is that its 2.8 and they recommend removing it at 3.5. So I asked, then I don't need surgery? He says no but he wants to make sure its not cancerious first. If its cancerous then it will need removal. He also wants to test my thyroid levels by blood test which is done from a lab. He gives me a sheet all filled out with what tests I'm to get and I hand it to the lab. They draw blood, send it out and then send the ENT the results back.

I go for everything and fast forward to this past Tuesday when I go to the ENT to get the results. He tells me that the nodule is benign and that the blood tests showed no thyroid issues on a chemical level. The nodule is just there.

He then says at 3.8, its recommended to get it removed. My mother was with me, as she was at the previous just ultrasound result appointment and had written down what the ENT had said at that appt. We both remembered him saying 2.8 repeatedly then and downplaying removing the left thyroid/nodule. When asked, 'Has it grown in a week and a half?'

He replied no it was always this size.

So today I checked with my GP who had these results as well and he confirmed that at the first appt, it was 3.8. That it had always been 3.8.

It bothers the heck out of me that the ENT gave me false hope the first time that it wouldn't be recommended to remove it if benign.

As it is he's saying he's been seeing alot of people come in with this lately and is doing 5 surgerys a day.  He's seeming a little slice happy to me.

All of these add up to wanting to find another doctor to get another opinion from.

I have no symptoms. I'm not having any problems other than knowing this thing is there and not knowing how long its been there or what caused it.  Its not since birth but I could've had this for years.

Right now I'm just trying to find one of the better doctors in my area to see for a second opinion. THis ENT is highly regarded but doing this kind of delicate surgery, I don't want a guy who can't tell a 2 from a 3. I've read stuff about going through the armpit instead of the neck, and I'd love to find someone that does it that way if I decide to go through the surgery.

I do know that some ENTs are also plastic surgeons. So I guess ideally if I could find a really good one like that who also specializes in the thyroid surgeries, that would be who I'd go with.

The positive of all this is that its not cancer and its not any kind of chemical issue. But as I've mentioned before my only real health issues have been ear infections, the rare sinus infection and seasonal sinus allergies.

I can't believe there's no study being done as to why there's such a surge in this problem and what's causing it. That and there not being any alternative to cutting the thyroid part out. They can do Lasik for the eye, why can't they zap this nodule with it to get rid of it?

[Barb135]

I agree with Stella - I think your endo is giving you some shoddy care...... it's the doctor's responsibility to be able to read/interpret the tests s/he orders.... all too often, we find this to be the case, though.

I haven't had a lobectomy, but I do have multiple nodules on my thyroid.  I would sure like to see some sample results before taking such a big step as surgery.  I'm sorry, but saying blood work is "fine" doesn't tell us anything, because all too often, results fall into so-called "normal" ranges (according to the lab report), but is anything but normal for the patient.  

What prompted the blood work and ultra sound?  Do you have symptoms of some kind of thyroid issue?  Is the nodule causing problems with breathing and/or swallowing?

[lilyfair]

After checking with my Primary care doctor, whom I also had all the tests sent to, it was always 3.8 in size. The ENT apparently couldn't decipher a 2 from a 3 after the first ultrasound.

I had a needle biopsy done with ultrasound as well. The results were that its non cancerous. As I mentioned earlier, my blood tests were also fine.

I'm looking into a second opinion, just trying to find who to have one done with. Let's just say if the guy can't read a 2 from  a 3, I don't want him operating on me. Oh and apparently its not cystic. I had asked if it was just a cyst  as my family happens to have a history of cyst issues in varying places but he said no. Plus that would be a little easier to treat.

I also have concerns over getting the left side removed which is really the only option other than leaving it alone and checking it every 6 months.  I was wondering if anyone on these boards had a thyroid lobectomy, removing a benign nodule and removing one side, in their early 30s? I'd like to know if so, and if in otherwises normal health, what are the after affects as you get older? Like if you did this a few years ago, what's been the trajectory of your health since.

[armywife92]

If you are at a place in your life where you can afford to switch docs, I'd do so. Unless he did the standard procedures such as getting an interpretation of the thyroid nodules(calcifications,vascular,solid,hypoechoic cystic etc) and ordered a FNA, he is all bassackwards! I am not saying they aren't a cause for concern, they are a good size and need to be monitored, but nevertheless, sounds like he's trying to cut corners!

[stella5349]

Sounds like some descrepencies and best to redo the US scan to get more accurrate numbers.

It sounds like your doctor is somewhat careless and it would be wise to get a second opinion here on everything. On thing alarming is his blow-off of answers to confirm "logic" that it shouldn't be worrisome that is hasnot grown more in a week? -

ahhhhh. nodules don't work and grow that fast dude!

There's no discussion of labs done above either.

Sounds like shotty care to me.