complex cyst

I recently was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 33.  My endo ordered an ultrasound of my thyroid and a complex cyst 10mm was found,  I know that these are common, however my father died of anaplastic thyroid cancer at 51.  It was believed to have been follicular cancer that went undetected for several years as they found follicular cancer as well in his biopsy.  The original biopsy done on him was negative for cancer.  Should I be concerned? The surgeon said she was unable to biopsy the nodule due to it being too small.  She offered to take it out if I couldn't sleep, but recommende an ultrasound in 6 mths.  Does this sound reasonable.  I am very hyper sensitive due to what happened to my father.

[redhed87]

I have heard they don't biopsy anything that small.  That's a tough call with your family history.  Hmmmmmmmm.  I don't know what I would do in your situation.  Removing your thyroid is very drastic if it doesn't need to be done.  I can understand your sensitivity to this subject.   Perhaps a second opinion would ease your mind???

[utahmomma]

Ohhh, complex cyst and family history (especially with anaplastic which is very aggressive and hereditary) are very good reasons to have it out.  However getting it checked every 3-6 months (I'd recommend every 3 because of the type of cancer) is an option too.

What do you want?  Can you sleep at night (like the surgeon asked) because you are worrying and wondering?  Realize too that ultrasounds can be unreliable for tracking the size but they can show any significant change.  Anaplastic spreads quickly (that's why I'd lean towards the every 3 months ultrasound):  http://www.endocrineweb.com/caana.html

If it shows it has spread, at all, you need to get your thyroid out ASAP.  The only way to treat anaplastic is to treat it immediately and very, very aggressively.

You are far younger than the usual age of onset for anaplastic but there are many of us here who just don't follow the rules when it comes to thyroid disorders, so please keep an eye on it.

My best to you,

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03 and three sisters with the same (non-hereditary) cancer