Fine Needle Aspiration

[littles]

Does everyone get a Fine Needle aspiration for any nodule detected?

[utahmomma]

I opted to go straight to surgery after seeing the ultrasound - no FNA.  Two of my sisters had FNAs - the other two, and my daughter, did not.

It's mostly up to you

[MJ13]

When you get the results of your FNA ask for a copy of it and post here.  There are a few people here that are really good at interpreting test results.  Keep us posted on how things go.

MJ

[littles]

Thanks for the useful information.  My family doctor said the endo will likely do a FNA.  I go on Nov. 4. The nodule is small though.  But I do have quite a good sized goiter.  I also have a problem with my vocal chords.  When talking low, everything is grovelly and hoarse (whatever grovelly means - lol).  But that concerns me pretty much the most along with the unsightly golf ball in my throat when I swallow.

[halojd]

I had one - not too bad but my nodule (1.3 cm) was calcified and hard to penetrate.  Radiologist knew right away it was cancer and told me so.  The biospy confirmed papillary cancer and I had a total thryroidectomy a week later - this last Friday

[MJ13]

I had a FNA 2 years ago on four nodules with the largest being 9mm.  I was petrified going into the procedure at the thought of someone sticking a needle in my throat.  Turns out fear of the unknown was way worse that than actual procedure.  First they deadened my throat with lidacaine and I had to lay with my neck extended.  They poked me four times with ultrasound guidance.  The first poke I felt pressure and a slight burning.  The other three pokes I just felt a slight pressure.  It really wasn't bad at all. I felt no ill effects afterwards.  The hardest part of the procedure was waiting for the results.  

I'm definitely glad I got the FNA done because the results came back suspicioius for papillary cancer.  This lead to a TT a month later, after which I found out one of the four nodules was indeed papillary cancer.

Are you scheduled to have a FNA?

[mommy2two2008]

Usually the nodule has to be equal or greater than a Centimeter.  Hope that helps.