partial surgery nodules???

had a biopsy and aspiration of thyriod gland last tue.. i had large cystic and solid nodules on both sides... if cancerous cells are found could they take out only the side where it was found... still waiting for results... thanks....

[ChitChatNine]

WELCOME to the community. I had a partial in Jan 07 .. this is a great community and I'm certain some of our very own "local expert" will jump right in!

C~

[utahmomma]

Welcome.

They *could* take out the one lobe but most doctors (and I) would HIGHLY recommend AGAINST it!

If it is the most common form of thyroid cancer (papillary carcinoma) there are often microcancers associated with it.  It is recommended the entire thing be taken out.  I only had the right half removed and they didn't find the cancer until I was in the recovery room.  It was small (5mm) and completely encapsulated.  No big deal, right?  

Over the next 12 months three of my sisters were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma, another with precancer, and my (then) 16-year old daughter with precancer.  I opted to get the left lobe out 13 months after my original surgery.

I'm glad I did - two years after that I had a cancer recurrence in my thyroid bed.  Guess one of those little microcancers in the remaining thyroid tissue (there is always remaining thyroid tissue after surgery) started growing.  I had to have radioiodine (RAI) which I couldn't have had if I had any thyroid left.

So . . . in my humble opinion/experience - if it is cancerous get it ALL out.

Utahmomma

[kl42]

thanks again!!  for info.. still waiting on results... won't find out till at least monday almost a week.. thanks again. i appreciate the info. Kevin

[utahmomma]

Keep us posted!

[kl42]

is there a general bllod test for all the hormones in your body ..not just thyroid.. for the doctors to check?  still don't feel weel after 10 months.. going to gp tommrow.. whant to ask. ?  

[kl42]

thanks!

[lzimm]

I have nodules on both sides.  I have precancerous cells on one side and 10 % chance of cancer on the other side.. I am calling the surgeon tomorrow to tell him that I have decided to do it ALL..I have heard so many stories of partials needed wholes. I just want to do the surgery once and I do not want to mess around with Cancer.