What do these words mean?

[rynmich]

I had an ultrasound done a few weeks ago and they found a 2.2cm dominant mass on the right side of my thyroid.  I read words: hypoechoic, blood supply, and something about a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and follicular neoplasm.  I have had a FNA with an ultrasound with the above diagnosis.  They cannot differentiate between the two, therefore they want to do a hemithryoidectomy.  I am thinking about asking the surgeon for a reason of the biospy.  Is it necessary and if he thinks it is in fact cancer.  I have a CT scan scheduled for next month.  I dont know what that is all about it.  Any suggestions or advice?  

[rynmich]

Yes, I am having RAI.  I really don't know what to expect as far as when they will give it to me.  It seems like time is not on my side as far as getting this all taken care of before he graduates.  Did you do RAI?  How did it all go?

[MANmom]

Good luck, I have been there, too.  Glad they caught it before it spread.  Anything I can help you with from here, just let me know.  Are you having RAI?  I also have a son that is graduating this year, busy time!

[rynmich]

Just wanted to give you all an update.  Monday, May 18, I had a TT.  Everything went just fine.  I am day three and I feel fine.  I found out my patho reports.  The nodule was Minimally invasive Follicular carcinoma on the right lobe, and the left side contained some unencapsulated Variant Papillary carcinoma.  They removed two lymph nodes and those came back negative!  I have an appointment with my endo May 4, and hopefully will get the RAI, start my synthroid as soon as possible, and get on with my son's HS graduation.  I have a lot of people coming to visit and I can not let this thing get me and hold me down.  One thing for sure, I read a lot of information and that most of it I must admit was very negative.  I don't know if you all found that out.  I will say the board here was very uplifting and I am thankful for all of your information you supplied.  I will keep you all updated.  Thank you SO much for your help on this journey. :)

[SassySharon]

That seems really low.  But The TSH level aren't as important as your T3 and T4 levels and TPO's, Calcium, Cortisol.  TSH can not give you a good look at your issues alone.  You must have all of them.
The new endo should be able to help you with that.  ASK Questions!! Ask to have extensive thyroid panels done with a vitamin panel done too.  Ask to have your lab reports mailed to you with the reference ranges!!! You will need that.
Does your endo specialize in Thyroid?  Thyroid Cancer? some specializes in Diabetes.  But since you were referred then your doc sent your thyroid results hopefully to your new endo.. you should take ALL your info and paperwork with you.
Good Luck and Blessings!!!

[rynmich]

Thank you both for your helpful information.  I was able to get an appointment with an endocrinologist on Thursday, and I am looking forward to what he has to say about all of this.  I will def keep you posted.  BTW, do any of you know what a normal TSH level should be?  Mine is 1.585

Thanks again!!

[SassySharon]

You have an excellent attitude and I believe that your faith in God is the ultimate way we can all go!!!  I am really glad that you are going to see an endo also.  I think that it will give you some more peace of mind to explore all of your options.  I pray that you will get your appt before your surgery.
I guess having the word carcinoma in your report is just scary but the fact that it is well defined is a positive thing too.  
May God's Blessings Surround You !!!
Sass

[rynmich]

The cytologist told me that follicular neoplasm was not cancer but a benign nodule.  It is indeterminate. ?? anyway this is exactly what my pathologist report says: The pathologists diagnosis said: "FNA cytology of right thyroid nodule.  Consistent with follicular neoplasm, see note."  Note: "the differential diagnosis of this cellular follicular lesion includes follicular neoplasm and follicular variant of papillary carcinoma. Correlation with the clinical and radiological findings is recommended." History: " Solitary right thyroid lobe heterogeneous hypoechoic well defined nodule measuring 2.2 cm per ultrasound report."

I have looked up A LOT of information.  I have a referal to an endocrinologist.  Hopefully I will be able to meet with them BEFORE my surgery.  We shall see.  I don't know really what to think right now.  I know that my faith in God and He will help with all decisions and peace will bring a lot of comfort.

[slamlaba]

Firstly I'd like to say thanks to all who posted on this site - you have eased many of my worries and I feel comfort knowing I am not alone.
I was called by my doc 2 weeks ago , an MRI of my neck last August ( for a different reason ) showed multi nodules on my thyroid , which he forgot to notify me of until February of this year !!! Its been a whirlwind since I had an US , showing a complex cyst with solid matter of 2 x 2.4 cms. I was sent to the local hospital for an US guided FNA , done yesterday and waiting for results , hopefully by Monday. The last two weeks have been horrendous, filled with worry and I have learned so much from all of you on here, I thank you all for sharing.
For rynmich - The vascular supply seems to be of significance , and the US guided FNA is more diagnostic than the CT scan. The FNA biopsy is done for any suspicious lump, nodule,cyst or mass. Some people choose to wait a few months and monitor the growth ratio - but honestly if I were diagnosed with papillary Ca and follicar neoplasm , I would not hesitate to follow their advice regarding removal. Papillary Ca is slow growing , but the follicar neoplasm is of more concern.
Keep doing what I do , research and google. Good luck to you , we are all in this together.

[SassySharon]

A cytologist is an excellent doctor. Cytology is that branch of life science, which deals with the study of cells in terms of structure, function and chemistry.  An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism. He also treats  many other disorders that are related to our glands or the "endocrine system" They are considered the Thyroid Specialists.  But a cytologist is not the same thing.
When should you absolutely use an endocrinologist?
First, if you have thyroid cancer, you'll want to see an endocrinologist. Keep in mind that you can't just pick an endocrinologist off a list. You only want one who has expertise in treating thyroid cancer patients. Since thyroid cancer is not especially common -- an estimated 40,000 cases a year are diagnosed in the U.S. -- many endocrinologists may never have even diagnosed or treated thyroid cancer. (A good source to find physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer is the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association).
This is some info that i have pasted for you that I have found.  I am awaiting my ultrasound and biopsy so I know it can be nerve racking but I always feel that information is the power over my disease and to be informed should not be scary but a way that you can benefit yourself.  Remember that this is your body and your disease, you have the control to choose your doctors and make the decisions and you can only do that with the knowledge given to you.  Make sure your doctor keeeps you TOTALLY informed on what he or she feels is in YOUR best interest. You can always request that your bloodwork and other findings be looked at by an endo as a second opinion.. You should not worry about offending anyone.  It should always be your choice.I wish you the best of luck and all the blessings in the world.  Please keep me informed!!
Sass

[rynmich]

I was referred to a surgeon for the initial FNA.  He is  cytologist or something like that.  He couldnt do the FNA in his office because my nodule was not felt.  It was embedded in the thyroid and therefore could only be done with an US.  Based on those findings and the initial US, he recommended an old fashioned biopsy.   I had no idea I should be seeing an endocrinologist.  I wonder if a cytologist is the same thing,  I do not know.  He was the first surgeon I was referred to.  He seems very informed of such things, performs many surgeries on thyroids and other fine surgeries such as those.  I wonder perhaps if an endocrinologist could be better for me.  Thanks for the info.  And any other info you may find!

[SassySharon]

I binged(bing.com) it and you can find info on this diagnosis on the website it sent me too.  emed.   it also depends on if your results said negative or positive for:  I have had many mri's, ct's and ultrasounds and believe me they are very hard to interpret on your own.  So call your doc and rely on him for your results

[SassySharon]

You should diff have the biopsy but your doctor does need to explain your results to you and to let you know what his reasons for the biopsy are. I cannot explain any of your results to you as we are not doctors.  I suggest you follow thru on the testing.  Is your dr an endocronologist?  If not, you should find one as soon as you can.  Please let us know what he says.
sass