When is it time for removal??

[Susan615]

What criteria have any of you used to guide you in having a thyroid removed when you do not have cancer?  Is that the only reason?  I was told today that I am being sent for a thyroid removal consult.  Reason sited was persistant......over a year, almost 2, of uncontrolable TSH, T4 levels, hashimotos thyroiditis, hashi toxocis, multi nodular goiter.....I did just have a thyroid biopsy and the report is not all back yet.  The one they do right there during the biopsy indicated begnin but they said they would call with complete results.  I seem to be reading that you don't remove for hashi's and I understand that, however these constent changes in levels and symptoms is driving me nuts.  I cannot continue on this way.  I have been controlled for most of 30 years and the last 2 have been a nightmare.  I really never expected anyone to ever suggest removal.  I want to be arned with the right questions when I go to the appointment.  I am guessing when I have all the biopsy results back, that will help.

[blsdnsvd]

Yes, wait and see..but don't sleep on it and be sure to monitor the goiter every six months. I too had a Large Goiter with Nodules that caused me to have no symptoms at all. My labs were normal and I felt fine...but, the fna report showed cells that could possible turn cancerous and there was a 15-20% change that they were and weren't showing on the report.

I did not have Hashi's or any other thyroid condition beside the "obvious" goiter and found out after my surgery that I have an Aunt who had the same as I did and also had a TT years back.

After years of having this goiter....I was diagnosed in 2007 and after watching and waiting, was recommended by three different surgeons to have a TT, which I did..Thank God that the pathology report was benign as they suspected, but bettter to have gone through with it then to be sorry later (in my case)....

[Susan615]

Thanks for the reply.  I don't have cancer and no suspicion of cancer.  I just got the call on my biopsy and they said benign hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Much relief, although I never thought I had cancer...I do have enlarged goiter but not choking me, I can feel it and you can see it but it is not unsightly.  Mostly for me it is uncontrolled function and levels with symptoms that coincide with levels.  I guess I just need to wait and see what the endo says.

[blsdnsvd]

Most removals are due to
1) Cancer
2) Suspicion of Cancer (only removal and disection of thyroid will determine)
3) Enlarged Goiter and or with nodules that may cause breathing or choking problems.
4) Uncontrolled thyroid (function) that may eventually stop working due to a thyroid condition...(In that case, RAI may be recommended instead of Removal)