thyroid cancer

[EAK1962]

I had a FNA done on a 1.7cm solid nodule on the left side of my thyroid.  Thyroid hormone blood work was normal Results came back as : predominantly Hurthle cells present, suspicious for Hurthle cell neoplasm.

My Dr. wants to wait 3 months and do another biopsy with molecular testing,  Should I wait this long or get a 2nd opinion.  Also what are the chances this is pre- cancerous or cancerous with these biopsy results.

[Gibbon1]

I think the sample from an FNA doesn't preserve the structure of the tissue it came from. Which might be needed to make a determination.

[EAK1962]

Going for a 2nd opinion with an endo surgeon as he has more info regarding these cells. Why isn't there a more difinitive test other than removing part of the thyroid to determine if hurthle cells are pre cancerous or cancerous?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is a relatively small (less than 2 cm) nodule.  Would have the slides read by an expert to confirm an indeterminate result.  Then a repeat biopsy with molecular markers may help but these are not perfect either to exclude or confirm cancer.  Awaiting 3 months is not unusual in such situations to avoid atypical changes on the repeat biopsy if performed too soon after the initial biopsy.