Need a second opinion

[a_rodriguez_04]

Dr.  Lupo,
I recently underwent a FNA biopsy of the right side of my thyroid.  Prior to the FNA being performed the dr told me that no matter what the out come of the FNA he wants to schedule surgery to remove the right side of my thyroid due to a complex cystic nodule measuring 1.7x2.0x3.4.  The mass is partially cystic and partially solid.  Is removing the right side of the thyroid a good idea?  Also, should I consider removal of the entire thyroid now instead of waiting for future problems to develop?  

[CUZMO21]

that is what they told me, and i went for several opinions, and the out come was to to do a total thyroid, and so far i am hating it, my vocal cords collapsed, basically i am a text book case, any thing that could go wrong did, so i had to have another operation to move my vocal cord over and then about 4 days after that i had a trach put in, but in the long run i am glad it is all out becauese i dont have to deal wioth this again, i am a normal health 28 year old female. and feel i was mis diagnosed for hasimotos, so i think i had issues father than they knew, i would get more opinions, and then go form there my heart is with you, and today i go to the voice center to learn why i cant talk...   keep me posteded

[a_rodriguez_04]

Although I really do not want to have the surgery I unfortunately do not have the choice.  I am in the military and when they think something "could" pose a threat, at all, they take it out.  This will be my first surgery and I am absoultely terrified.  As far as going with an experianced doctor, the surgery will be performed by an ENT surgeon at one if the Air Force bases here in California.  Supposedly they have some of the best surgeons so I guess I can't complain too much.  I am concerned, however; that they want me in and out in one day.  I will check in the morning of and be out that afternoon, is that normal?  Again it is my first surgery so I am not too sure of procedure standards.  The surgery will remove the right side of my thyroid because the tumor/goitor whatever it is called measures too close to being over 3.0 and they would rather remove it now than wait until it grows too big.  Thanks for the feedback, Keep in touch.  :)

[a_rodriguez_04]

Well I am glad to hear from you.  I can't believe they were not able ot permantely fix your voice problem.   It seems they are causing more pain and havoc than a solution.  I scheduled my pre-op appointment yesterday, it will take place on the 28th of this month.  My surgery date is the 27th of February.  I am still pretty nervous, but I have no choice and I have to go forward with the surgery (in the military and military docs tell you what you WILL do).  Keep in touch and let me know how things work out for you.  

[mommy9]

My opionion...  If the cyst is not bothering you at this point, and it is benign, leave it alone and wait until it grows to the point of bothering you.  I have met TOO MANY people over the past 6 months that took out 1/2 and are now going through HORMONE hell...  I have met others that even waited 6-15 years until the cyst grew enough to bother them, and THEN they had 1/2 of it removed.  DON'T have the whole thing out - you WILL be miserable.  Also - if you do, make sure you find an EXPERT surgeon, someone who does 100 of these a year, and make sure they can avoid the nerve to your voice box, and leave your parathyroids intact, or you will be a bigger mess.  It is ALWAYS better to leave things alone, if possible, especially if it is benign anyway.  I am going through the same thing you are right now, but they believe mine might be cancer, but I am still waiting at this point, as this surgery should not be done by a general surgeon that doesn't specialize in thyroids.  I am hoping to leave mine until it becomes to big, or goes away.  
My prayers are with you!

[CUZMO21]

just seeing how you were doing...and if you had any other news?

my operation well was a bust i had a voice for only 2 days then gone...

still doing more testing poking and proding, i am sick of this...

[a_rodriguez_04]

I spoke with the surgeon yesterday.  It looks as if everything from the FNA was benign so he only wants to remove the right side of the thyroid (because of the growth size).  I am scheduled tenatively for surgey  on February 27th.  I hope all goes well with your surgery tomorrow, please keep me in touch.  :)  

[CUZMO21]

Yes please do. i am going back for another operation on friday 12 - 14 to "try" to get some of my voice back it is not a permaninte thing but will last until my next emg they are hoping, (emg- is a test to check for nerver function- hurt but not to bad)
so just hang in there, and just ask alot of questions, but dont get mad when they cant answer them. good luck
Sarah - pittsburgh, pa

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

the indications for thyroid surgery are either suspicious FNA results or compressive symptoms from the enlargement.  If the biopsy is benign and you have no problems with swallowing, hoarseness, breathing, etc then observation is usually recommended.  

Surgery is usually very safe, but as noted above can have risks...

[a_rodriguez_04]

WOW, thanks a bunch for sharing your experiance with me.  I am a 21 year old female and in great health otherwise.  I would rather have them take everything at once rather than have to face another surgery somewhere down the road.  Prior to the FNA they had me see a vocal chord dr (not sure of the name of them) to see if my vocal chords were healthy, everything was fine but they did explain to me the risks of puncturing them and losing my voice for good.  Should this happen my Military career would be down the drain.  This is what concerns me.  I want this all done and over with but want to make sure that removing the entire thyroid would be the right choice to make.  Thanks again for your input, I will keep you posted once I get the results of the FNA.