Surgery for Nodule

[littles]

I don't know what to do.  I just saw my surgeon and I have a single nodule 2.6 cm and it is benign (determined by an FNA).  It is up to me whether I have it out or not.  It probably will keep on growing.  I just don't know what to do.  Do I take the risk of surgery or just let it be.  I signed up to have it out but I am having second thoughts. HELP!!!!!!!!

[bluestarmom187]

How was your nodule found? Was/is it causing you any problems?  This type of question can only be answered by you. Each person views things differently. If my nodules where not causing me any problems I would not be having surgery but mine decided to grow and they are putting pressure on my throat, o"ya...mine is also not benign which is another factor.

I have read that for benign nodules on FNA that the doctor can prescribe a medicine that may shrink the nodule. I had thought that this was the 1st treatment, then if that does not work and it does grow then they go for surgery. You may want to check into that option just to explore your options at this point.

Best Wishes

[898]

Some doctors tried PEI injections for bening nodules that were solid. About 30 % of cases show reduction in nodule size

[4helen]

Hiya---welcome to Nodule Central! lol. Am a card carrying member with a single follicular neoplasm (fna undtd) 4 cm and am currently trying to shrink it (BEFORE I opt for surgery---my last choice!!) thru supplements (iodine, vit d), chinese herbs, acupuncture and a complete overhaul of my diet, lifestyle and I guess mindset!....as bluestarmom rightly intimated ---it is an individual decision --what is right for you - only you know. These nods do have a mind of their own.  4 yrs ago - I also had a 2cm one that did disappear. I do feel strongly that they are a smoke signal not to ignore.  Regretably, I ignored my body's signal 4 yrs ago (the doc then didn't biopsy them and I thought all was honky dorey). Good luck with your decision; because it is benign --you most certainly have time (you can't assume it'll necessarily grow) and maybe re-check in 6 months --possibly after you've over hauled how well your take care of yourself?  Laser ablation was recently mentioned to me by an extremely kind, wise man --- might be applicable, like PEI,  for you?

http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/thyroid_nodules.pdf ---------I found this useful.  : )

[littles]

Thanks for responding.  Oh my God, what to do???????  ahahahah   I find that it shows a lot.  I am starting to buy scarves.  I don't know if I can get past the lump!!!!  But then again, do I mess with something that doesn't bother me that much!  It used to, but now that I know it is benign, it kind of disappeared from my thoughts.  Help, I need to make a decision!  lol.

Thanks again.

[littles]

Thanks for responding.  Oh my God, what to do???????  ahahahah   I find that it shows a lot.  I am starting to buy scarves.  I don't know if I can get past the lump!!!!  But then again, do I mess with something that doesn't bother me that much!  It used to, but now that I know it is benign, it kind of disappeared from my thoughts.  Help, I need to make a decision!  lol.

Thanks again.

[littles]

Thanks for responding.  I am so confused.  I think that maybe I should just take some time to think about it.  I read shrinking doesn't work?????  It would be an option rather than surgery if it does.  Thanks for your insight into this.