Three needle biopsy

ultra sound shows Densely calcified nodule with well circumscribed margin measuring 1.2 x 1 cm in the lower pole. acoustic shadowing from the calcifications. overall left thyroid measures 3.6 x 1.2 with normal echotexture.  There is also a smaller 0.3 x 0.4 x0.3 cm in the left lobe.  Endocrinologist is needle biopsing the larger nodule.  Both of the first two biopsies came back from the lab with "not enough tissue, mostly blood".  These were taken a week apart.  A week later Dr did another biopsy and she did two at the same time, one from the left side of the nodule and one from the right side of the nodule.  My question is if this biopsy is also no good, should I ask to see a different Dr?, and how long should it take to get the results of this test from the hospital lab which is just across the street.

[TDCRose]

Lab results should be back in a couple of days.  I had a bilateral FNA done-4 sticks to one side and 3 to the other.  Was told that there was enough material-get pathology report stating not enough material.  My Ent. told me to have it done again but to use a different hospital/radologist.  This was my first experience with FNA and thought the Dr. was good.  I am following Ent. advice and using different Hospital and am scheduled for the 16th.  I would think about using someone else.  It may not help but it may.  Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Lori

[dch1234]

These are being done by a Dr that specializes in FNA's.  She told me she does 20 to 30 a day.  I just can't figure out why, if she is so experienced, she can't know that the speciamen she has taken is only blood.  I have to wait a week everytime.  Last time she didn't call me, I called her and left a message, she called at 4:30 the next day.  I think if these she just took aren't any good I will take your advice.  Thanks a lot.  Donna

[TDCRose]

Hope your last one is a good one.  The Dr. doing my FNA told me before he started that there is a possibility that there would not be enough material in the sample.  I guess we are not the only ones this has happened two!  He gave me three options if this should happen. 1. Repeat FNA  2. Opt for more invasive surgical procedure for biopsy and  3. Do nothing more then monitor growth of nodules.  He actual said option 3 would be the best choice.  My Ent. did not agree and said FNA should be repeated.  I am now wondering, especially with your repeated tries, that maybe some of use just will always be not enough sample with FNA.  Let me know how your last FNA turns out.

Lori

[dch1234]

What is an ent?  I'm wondering what made him think you should have more biopsies, and the Dr thinking you should not.  Did they tell you their reasons?  The Dr who did mine still did not get enough cells for any type of answer about cancer or no.  The very last biopsy she did is going to leave a scar, she went really deep.  She suggested we wait six months and do another ultra sound and see if there is any change.  She is now saying maybe it isn't a nodue, but a cyst.  This lady confuses me.  I am going to make an appointment to see my records for the past 6 months, and make copies, so if I decide to go to another Dr I will have them.  For now though I am going to forget all about this and celebrate the coming holidays with my family.  Donna

[TDCRose]

Sorry about the incorrect name :).  I abbreviated endocronlogist with ent.  The Dr. doing my FNA was a radiologist.  The Endo wants to make sure the nodules are not cancerous because they are on the larger side.  The Radiologist wanted to take the wait and see if they get even bigger say in six months do another US and FNA if they grew.  I perfer the known now if they are cancerous.  Sure, 95% of the nodes are begnin, but someone has to be in the 5% that aren't.  I want to make sure I am not in that 5%.  Plus I feel like **** most of the time.  My labs are just within normal range but are not in the optimal range.  Endo does not want to test Free T3 or treat elevated cortisol level either.  Once I find out what's growing on my thyroid, I am going to press for more accurate testing.  If endo say no need for the test-time to find yet another doctor!

I would think about getting a second opinion if I were in your situation.  Are you having symptoms of hypo/hyper?  Have you had blood work done?  The not knowing what is happening to your body and waiting to see if this one worked stinks!

[dch1234]

My thyroid is functioning normally, no hypo or hyper.  They found these nodules accidently while doing a CT scan for something else that turned out to be nothing.  They thought I had a right sided thickening on my trachea, but found that the vena cava had a strange crook in it and that was what they were seeing.  Scared me a lot, that is usually cancer, especially on the right side.  This whole thing has been going on for ever and has been a nightmare. There are no symptoms for me at this point.  If the nodule grows I could have some soreness around the area, a sore throat and a raspy voice.  I have been coughing a lot, but I'm not sure it's related to this problem.  I have blood work done every 6 weeks so I can get my Lupus meds refilled.  The rheu tests most eveything in that test, kidneys, thyroid, chlorestral, sugar levels, etc.  They flucuate some, but only ones that worry me are the ones for the kidneys.  I already have one stent in left kidney, kidney problems, along with autoimmune diseases runs in my family. Good luck with finding out about your nodule.  Life is such fun.  Donna

[alex1515]

My blood work came back normal but I have a few of the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. I too have a nodule measuring 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.5 cm in the apex of the left thyroid lobe surrounded by increased vascularity (whatever that is). I also have hypoechogenicity present. The ultrasound also found diffuse parenchymal necrosis in the left lobe and right lob pole. All of this suggest a hyperthyroid state. Today I met with a endo/surgeon and we agreed that I needed another biopsy (first came back not enough material) before we do anything else. After reading all of your comments I'm wondering why bother! The endo will be doing this one with the aid of an ultrasound. I will definitely post the results. Oh, my right lobe measures 4.3 x 1.4 x 1.7 and the left is 3.7 x 1.4 x 1.8. My nodules were discovered by accident as well!

[dch1234]

The endo used ultra sound to do mine also.  Maybe you will be lucky this time.  Good luck.  Donna

[dch1234]

Hope you get lucky this time and get some answers.  Those nodules are both larger than mine.  Should be a little easier to biopsy.  Good luck.  Donna