Another biopsy

[caraway]

Hello,
I am facing my third biopsy in a year.  I have a rapidly growing complex, hypoechoic nodule that has grown in size from .7mm to 1.9cm in 6 months.  It wasn't biopsied 8 months ago, but another 1.7cm nodule that came back benign was biopsied.  I have pain, a changing voice, and a feeling of fullness in my throat.  TSH suppression was tried, but as I've been borderline hyperthyroid I did not tolerate the levothyroxine well at all.  TSH is .994 T4 is borderline elevated.  All other blood results are normal.  I am scheduled for another biopsy Dec. 18th.

My question is, is there a time I can tell my endocrinologist I don't want another biopsy.  Do I have another option than repeated biopsies?

[pep88]

Couldn't agree with Utahmama more!  You go girl!  Your .02  is worth at least $100.00 in my book! :-)

[alex1515]

Is your nodule palpable? If it is, did it change in appearance after the biopsy? I had a FNA done about 2 weeks ago and it took the surgeon four attempts to get a good sample! Now the nodule is growing (I see mine and another one has appeared next to it). I have my first appt with a ENDO scheduled for 1/3/08, but I'm thinking I should call the ENT back and let him check out the swelling nodules.
Thanks

[MJ13]

You're going in the right direction by consulting with a endo.  I'm a firm believer in having an endo look at thyroid problems instead of a GP.  Good Luck and I hope you find some answers quickly.

[caraway]

Thank you for the feed back.  I have FINALLY gotten the hard copies of all my tests-instead of just word of mouth from my docs.  


I'm pretty weary of all the biopsies, and am wanting to call my endocrinologist and say, "Let us remove this!"

I appreciate the feed back and support as I struggle with what to do.

Thank you so much

[utahmomma]

I have a bit of prejudice against FNAs, so take this for what it's worth.  My nodule looked suspicious on the ultrasound (complex, odd shaped) and after doing some research I decided that the odds of an FNA missing any potential cancer was just to high and I figured that I couldn't sleep thinking there may be cancer there.  I opted to go straight to surgery.

Two of my sisters had FNAs - both were negative - both had cancer.

Rapid growing, complex nodules are nothing to mess with.  Pain, change in voice and fullness are issues too.  All the biopsies in the world won't stop any of that.

Just my $.02 worth

Utah
papillary carcinoma survivor with 3 sisters with papillary carcinoma

[TDCRose]

I am sorry to here you have been through so many FNA in a year.  I had two done this year.  A few weeks apart because first did not get enough material.  First was very unpleasant, second was very easy.  I had them done at different hospitals and will not return to first hospital ever again for FNA.  Your health is your choice.  My doctor wanted both nodules biopsied, and I believe this gives a better view of what is going on inside.  If the nodule is growing quickly, FNA is good to have done to check for cancer.  If you are having diffuculty breathing or swallowing maybe you should have the nodules removed. It stinks to have to have the procedure done often but it does let dr. know if nodule is cancerous.  It is your choice, but I would choose to have FNA again(or just removal) because I want to know if it is cancer.  Be honest with your doctor, let him know how you feel about all the biopsies.  Hopefully the dr. can advise you if having/not having is the right thing to do.  Good luck in what ever you choose.

Lori