Important thing is to start with a specialist who can do his/her on ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy in the office and has a lot of experience in dealing with nodular thyroid. This is either an ENT, endocrinologist or endocrine surgeon. In this case the individual person is probably more important than the specialty.
Hi Dr. Lupo,
I'm still waiting for an FNA on my almost 5 cm. nodule on one lobe and then I have the two smaller nodules on the other. The FNA is scheduled for the 8th. I just discovered yesterday that I'm pregnant. Only a few weeks pregnant so obviously it doesn't relate to the ultrasound diagnosis from a few weeks ago, but I'm wondering how this could affect the outcome of my situation. Given the size of the nodule, is it likely they would consider just "watching" it (assuming it's not suspicious) or will it require removal due to it's size? The other question is how confident can I be in knowing they'll get an adequate sample since it's so large? Prior to the pregnancy factor, I assumed if they couldn't get an adequate sample, they would recommend removal and the decision would be easy. I'm hoping the pregnancy doesn't complicate things - if that's possible! :) Thanks for your thoughts.
Thank you for the advice. I spoke with both the ENT and the Endo offices today and they both agreed that the Endo would be the best place to start because these biopsies are his specialty. I'm scheduled for a consultation and (potential) biopsy just after the new year. This doctor came highly referred by the ENT as well as a couple of people in our community. I may end up back in the ENT's office in the end but getting the proper diagnosis is important. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. It means a lot to hear from a doctor. I'm trying to stick to facts and not internet hype! My labs came back and everything was within normal range. TSH was on the high end of the spectrum at 3.890 but the normal range was .450-4.50. Makes me wonder how the heck a nodule can grow to almost 5 cm. when the thyroid functions appear "normal!"???