follicular cells

[pjharr12]

My sister just got the results of her biopsy on a thyroid nodule and it came back showing follicular cells.

We are terrified that this means cancer.

She is supposed to go in to have this removed by a surgeon.

Is it possible that it could be benign and is it necessary to remove the entire thryoid?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

follicular cells are thyroid cells -- they should be in the biopsy.  The report needs to comment on the appearance of the cells to determine if this is benign or if surgery needs to be done in order to make a definite diagnosis.

[898]

The follicular adenoma ( benign, but pre-cancerous condition) is very similar to the follicular cancer. When nodule is removed, the whole thing is examined by pathologist, and if it turns out to be benign, no complete thyroid removal is necessary.

[tina2121]

A related discussion, trying to figure this out! was started.

[hooda]

A related discussion, test results of thyroid was started.

[pjharr12]

Thanks you so much for the information.  

It is very difficult to know what it really means when you receive a diagnosis like this.

Thanks