Doctor said no biopsy needed.

[krys48]

I would like somebody to help me understand what are my doctors doing? I had iodine treatment to shrink a nodule on my right thyroid gland. I guess it didn't work because it was done in 1999 and nodule not only grew bigger 2.7x 2 cm and two others grew as well. There is a significant calcification of all of them.I had an ultrasound done. Endocrinologist who scheduled my biopsy decided not to do it because he claims, that my whole thyroid needs to be surgiclly removed. I have a very small nodule on my left lobe as well. I have been having some weired symptoms: coughing,chest pain and feeling very tired. I went to see ENT specialist and he says that my throat looks fine. He thinks though that I should have biopsy first. Who is rght? My bloodwork is fine.All thyroid levels are normal.Endocrinologist told me that because of the size and the amout of calcification I might have malignancy.

[utahmomma]

With the size and calcification of your nodule, I'd have to side with your endo.  My nodule was small (5mm) yet complex so I opted to have it out - it was cancerous.  Two of my sisters had the FNA biopsy and both results were negative for cancer yet they *did* have cancer which was found when their thyroids were removed.  (All in all, four out of five of us had cancer)

It sounds like your endo knows what he/she is talking about.

With thyroid cancer and many nodules your thyroid levels *will* be normal - that's what makes it so hard to determine if someone has thyroid cancer or not.

I know that this is a long, frightening road but you *will* be okay.  You also have lots of us here on this forum who have been through the surgery and, god forbid, if it is malignant some of us have been through that too.

Utah
papillary carcinoma '03

[KJ5854]

Just wondering how you are doing and what you decided to do.  Maybe you've posted that info in another thread, but I haven't seen it.

Please keep us posted!

[utahmomma]

I'm hoping for the best for you.  You'll be in my prayers.  Please let me know what you decide!

You are among friends here!

[krys48]

Thanks a lot and blessings. I really appreciate your response, I just joined your community and I want to know as much as I can beforehand.

Krys48