FNA Unsatisfactory results

[smilesmoon]

An utrasound found that I have a node on my right lobe measuring 1.2x.6x.8 that is hypoechoic within the inferior right thyroid demonstrating robust internal vascularity that is not identified with distinct microcalcification.  It is ill-defined.  I had an ultrasound guided FNA that reported unsatisfactory for evaluation due to colloid with essentially no follicular epithelium.  I have rescheduled another FNA.  I am 66 years old with hypothyroidism. What are the chances I have thyroid cancer?

[TamraW]

When my mom was 62, she had a seven cm nodule removed - much bigger than yours! Doc said it was a 70 percent chance of cancer. It was not cancer, but just a big fat nodule caused by Hashimoto's.

I'm wondering why are you a hypothyroid? Any doc bother to test your antibodies to determine if you have Hashi? Get the TGab and TPOab tests. Are you on any thyroid meds?

The good news is that your nodule is still relatively small. If it does end up cancerous, just remember that this type of cancer has a VERY HIGH cure rate. Better to be safe than sorry and demand a solid biopsy. I had nodules smaller than yours with successful biopsies. None of them were cancerous, but I'm still glad I insisted on the biopsies.

:) Tamra

[utahmomma]

They will not know conclusively whether it is cancer or not until it is removed or they get "lucky" and do find cancer.   Many people have had "benign" or "inconclusive" results on an FNA but later found they had cancer (happened to two of my sisters).  Others can have "suspicious" results on an FNA and find out that they don't have cancer (although they may have precancerous changes).

You have a few characteristics with your nodule that make it worrisome:  hypoechoic; robust internal vascularity; ill-defined.  You also have the fact that you are in your 60s against you (the older we get, the higher the risk for any form of cancer).

I wish we could tell you conclusively what you do, or don't, have but we cannot.  Your nodule does need further evaluation - either additional FNAs, a large-core biopsy, or surgery.

My best to you

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03, second surgery '04, recurrence and RAI '06
three sisters with papillary carcinoma (one with 3 recurrences)
another sister and daughter with precancerous thyroid nodules