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To Remove or not

Hello,  I guess I'll start with a breif history: In the spring of 2007 I had a CTscan for "lympnoids" on the back of my neck.  during this CTscan they  found a mass on my right thyroid.  I had an ultra sound and a FNB the results from the biopsy were "bengin with A-Typical cells" the doctor called pathologist while I was in the office and asked about the contradiction, the path said " A-Typical=like breast cancer cells on thyroid mass".  Doc said I was fine.
  Fast forward..I have been telling doc that I think it has grown (he said its cause I knew it was there) he did another Ultra sound in December of 08 and said only slight change.  but is a good size.   In january 2010 went back to doc and he ordered another ultra sound because I insisted that the mass had gotten bigger. IT did by 30%. 4cm+ solid mass.  he did a FNB that had to be repeated, repeat FNB says no cancer at this time (he thinks we got a "good enough" sample this time.  my concern it is 4cm+.....I am not feeling well, and the "lumps" onback of neck up into hair line are still there and being ignored.  Should I have the mass removed?
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929504 tn?1332585934
I happy that you are getting someone with someone else who will take this seriously.
God Bless You.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Everyone posted good comments and its good that finally something is being done.
Regardless of what your Primary Doc thinks...those nodules and mass will NOT go away, only become larger in time...causing unstable thyroid levels.
Great News about the new Doc!
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Avatar universal
Thanks Everyone!  I have contacted a Dr. from Dana Farber Thyroid Nodule Clinic in Boston.  I go tuesday for an Ulrtasound and another FNA at his suggestion.  I still havent heard anything from my regular Endo.  So by chanced I emailed one of the head Endo specialists in Boston.......I really didnt expect him to email me back but he did.  Feel much better, and hoping I will get some answers and guideance.
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139126 tn?1255036991
I totally agree with the other guys here.   You absolutely must get a surgeon who does at least 50 of these surgeries a year.   While it is "easy" compared to some other surgeries it is still surgery and a lot can happen.   The parathyroids are a big deal and if you don't have somebody who is good you could lose them.   In my case I had a very, very experienced surgeon (lifetime of over 1500 surgeries) but I wound up with bleeding 6 hours later.   Had to be rushed back in for a second surgery.   Of the 1500 surgeries this Dr did, this was only the 5th time he had seen this.   But he knew what to do and, quite frankly, he saved my life.   The attending endo who was "keeping an eye on me" right after my surgery missed the signs of bleeding and was doing nothing.   Totally based on experience.  Anyway, not to scare you because what happened to me is exceptionally rare but you must get a good Dr with as much experience as possible.  As a footnote...once I healed from the 2nd surgery (about 2 weeks) things started to get better quickly and now 9 months later I'm perfectly fine.
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Avatar universal
I agree you need a specialist to do the surgery, if you go that way. I had a total thyroidectomy because of masses front and back thank god no cancer, but to be sure, it needs to come out but also just want you to know that your parathyroid also lives around your thyroid they could be destroyed during the surgery. mine was in my thyroid and they had to inject them in my shoulder (I was told they could live there) I hope one day they will work again but I am also prepared if they dont. so if this happends to you you will also have to take calcium also, so be prepared for that. you will know the very next day after surgery your hands and lips will start to tingle so dont freak out (I sure did) I had no idea that would happen. so research as much as you can. But like everyone here has said dont just let anyone do the surgery you need a specialist this is not a easy surgery. goodluck and I hope everything goes well for you.
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929504 tn?1332585934
VERY IMPORTANT: When considering Thyroid surgery, you must find an "experienced" doctor who has done at least 50 in a year. It took me 3 opinions to find the one that i was comfortable with and he is a thyroid specialist.

FYI: Particulary w/follicular cells...fna cannot determine the difference between normal and abnormal, therefore the results may be benign. My results were benign, however i was still recommended to have a TT and Thank God the pathology report was also benign, however, taking chances are not worth it in the end.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had benign results afer 4 FNA, I had 4 nodules two were large. I was having trouble with swollowing and had pain and swollen lymph nodes. My thyroid numbers were fine. The endo decided to remove because of size and pain. The pathology report came back 2 weeks later showing follicular and papillary cancer. Some of the other doctors I was seeing told me I shouldn't have my thyroid removed. I'm glad I didn't listen to them. Borderline stage 2 because the cancer was 2cm in size. Everyone says it's very rare to be cancer, its less than 5% chance but if your the one in the 5% you want it out. I hope everything turns out alright for you. Make sure if you have it out that you use a specialist who is experienced in thyroid removal. Good Luck!
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Avatar universal
I feel like I am on a teeter tottor.........When my Endo called to give me the results over the phone..he said "Your Good".  he said I didnt need surgery but it is was my call.
After doing alot of research during this whole process I told him I think I want it out....He said ok Ill call a surgeon.  He asked me if I had any other surgery and I said yes by Doc A.. 8 years ago for breast cysts.....so he said he would call her to see if she would "feel comfortable" doing the tyroid surgery...he said its an easy surgery. if doc A didnt want to do it he does have some Endo/surgeons he would call.  that was last wednesday,  havent heard from him sense.  
I feel like he should be talking to me, at least to go over my choice to have the surgery
and talk to me about my concerns.........NOTHING!  I really liked this doc and his wife is my primary....kinda feel like I am hanging!
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Avatar universal
My FNA never showed cancerous cells, I still had cancer (mine result was benign follicular clusters).  I would have the right side out due to the size, if it is not cancer, then you can leave the left side and hope it functions.  That way at least you would know.  I had three nodules on right side, had lots of symptoms including hoarseness and swallowing, hoped to cure them by taking out the right side only, ended up discovering very small cancers and took out the left side, which incidentally had the large tumor.  
Helpful - 0
929504 tn?1332585934
FNA does not show any cancerous cells, however, the nodule is pretty big and has the possibility of getting even bigger. Since you are having problems as far as comfortability, something should be done..due to the size alone.

Has your endo mentioned anything as far as treatment is concern??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the copies of my tests:

US: complex primarily solid nodule in right thyroid lobe has increased to 3.8cm.(30% increase)
overall thyroid gland has also increased, both left, right and isthumus.
left lobe shows 2 subcentimeter hypoechoic mid pole nodules measuring 5mm and 3mm. (was never told of nodules on left lobe)
                      
  FNA only on right nodule
FNA:5/12/07........specimen submitted on airdried slides, aspirate reveals groups of benign appearing follicular cells, suggesting a diagnosis of a follicular lesion. (adenoma?}   Inerpertation: Atypical cells present.

FNA: 2/12/2010 abundant collid and rare chronic inflammatory cells, no follicular cells seen.

FNA:3/1/10 (repeat fna):benign follicular cells, collid and cronic inflamatory cells noted, thyroid nodule with chronic inflamatory cells

as far as thyroid function I dont know my blood test results..he tells me I am good.
other syptoms: fatique, low grade fever (past 3 weeks,)  swollen lympnods at back of neck, neck aches feeling crappy!..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
my thyroid function has been normal as far as I know.  I am not on any meds.   I am hopefully picking up all my fna biopsy's and Ultra sound results this week.  I do plan on seeking another opinion. Ill post what it says when I get it.
Helpful - 0
929504 tn?1332585934
I totally agree and furthermore i would suggest seeking a second or even third opinion and out of curiosity....do you have a copy of your fna biopsy results, if so, what does it say exactly????  
Helpful - 0
139126 tn?1255036991
Did your doctor do any thyroid tests to indicate whether it's working correctly or not?   That could be why you're not feeling well.   Are these nodules on your thryroid?  I know that a lot of people live quite well without a thyroid but in my opinion it should only be taken out if necessary.   I lived with a multi-nodule goiter that kept changing in size for most of my life and only recently had to have my thyroid removed because it started causing issues.  I would also insist that somebody pay attention to the lumps on your neck.   They may/may not be related to your thyroid but it doesn't sound like they should be ignored.   You definately need to get more info before you should make a decision.
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Avatar universal
I agree with froggy, you can live just fine without a thyroid. Most of us do!
Helpful - 0
1211076 tn?1303519440
I absolutely think that any kind of mass that you have in you and especially one that keeps growing in size should definately be removed! Why take any chances? Good Luck!!
Helpful - 0
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