Follicular lesion

[luckymega]

Hi there, I met with my surgon today and he recomended that i have the right side of my thyroid removed as there is a about 3.2cm x2.1cm...,which is abnormal growth. I have a FNA done and the results stated that the node was benin but had follicular lesions, which only upon surgery would be determined if it is cancerous. My concern is what are the chances that it is cancerous? are there any stats? And if i do have this removed what meds are there and what are the side effects?

[Avee3]

I had the right side of my thyroid removed in November due to a follicular nodule.  It was not cancer.  My docs said the chance of malignancy was somewhere between 5-10%. I've seen as high as 20% quoted in articles.  I think the vast majority of follicular lesions are benign but the percentage is high enough to warrant removal.

Side effects of surgery?  Mine were minimal.  A little soreness and hoarseness the first 48 hours.  Otherwise, I felt fine.  There is a possibility of needing thyroid replacement medication after surgery.  Most of the time, the remaining side of your thyroid produces enough hormone.  However, sometimes it doesn't and you may need to take medication.  I had normal thyroid function before surgery but I became slightly hypo-thyroid after surgery.  I am in the testing phase right now.  I may require medication if my other side does not start producing enough hormone on it's own.  This is really the downside for me but it beats even the remote possibility of cancer.  

Hope this helps.  I know it's a tough decision.

Avee  

[Justin1967]

Hi there,
I had the exactly the same problem as you, except I wasn't told that my nodule was  follicular nodule.. About 10% of cold nodules are malignant so it is good chance it is benign.. Your doctor should be able to tell you what meds you need..