Familial Cancer of Thyroid and Recent Nodule

[momof2bboyz]

Hello Dr. Lupo. I have recently been told that I have a 9.3mm and a 5mm thyroid nodule. I saw a surgeon and he said that my largest nodule is just under the biopsy recommended size. However, he said that if I had a familial history of thyroid cancer that would change things as far as biopsy or further investigation. Well, I found out yesterday that my mom was just diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. Is this type of thyroid cancer strongly hereditary? My father also has cancer, but his is a Liposarcoma. When I saw the surgeon before I knew my mothers diagnoses he said that there was only a 50/50 chance that my largest nodule would have enough cells in the biopsy sample to be determinate. So, what would the next step be. If they biopsy would I even get a definate answer? My  ENT doctor seems to think they will just take out my thyroid. Is that a little drastic?Thanks so much for your time!

[momof2bboyz]

Thank you! I am not very good at this. The surgeon said that once my mother's path. report comes back (after her thyroid is completely removed in two weeks), he would decide my treatment. If there is a multifocal cancer he will just remove my thyroid (or part of) and not even attempt biopsy. So, I get to play the waiting game...again!

[ChitChatNine]

1.0cm (or 10mm) is the recommended smallest size to biopsy.  With the history,I'd push for the 9.3 to be biopsied but not guarantee on the results.  I am hoping others will jump in the thread but this isn't the Dr's forum .. you are on the patient to patient.

Here is Dr. Lupo's link:  http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/120

Cheryl

WELCOME~