Follicular Neoplasm. Cancer?

[nanticokecreek]

I have had multi nodular thyroid for three years.  "The right lobe measures 5.6 cm.x 2.0 cm x 1.9 cm.  Left lobe 5.2 cm x 2.0 clm x2.0 cm x1.9 cm.  Echogenicity of right lobe is diffusely inhomogeneous.  It has a nodular texture because it is actually composed of numerous thyroid nodules the margins of which are difficult to differentiate from one another.  Measurements difficult to acquire.  Adjacent to the r. margin of the isthmus there is a solid 2.9 cm thyroid nodule.  No dfinable margins.  Adjacent to this nodule are at least 2 hypoechoic areas each measuring 5 mm in size and may represent cyusts.  The isthmus is thickened.  It contains no definable masses.
The echogenicity of the left lobe is inhomogeneous similar to that seen on the right.  The l. lobe contains several thyroid nodules some of which are isoechoic with adjacent tissue whereas others are hypoechoic."   8/22/06  No treatment, no medication given.  Just watch.

I recently went to another Doctor whose slide showed "follicular neoplasm".  He advises a Total Thyroidectomy, for which I am scheduled sometime in Dec. or January.  

I would appreciate any information anyone would have regarding the relationship of follicular neoploasm to carcinoma.  Has anyone had a follicular neoplasm which turned out to be cancer of the thyroid?  I have had Breast Cancer, and, irradiation of the thymus gland as an infant.  Thank you.

[Bluesky882]

I was also diagnosed w/ follicular neoplasm by FNA. 4 yrs ago I had an US of the thyroid which should multiple nodules on both sides. I had another US  in Nov 08. The nodule grew half the size from 4 yrs ago. I am scheduled for a minimally invasive TT Friday. My sister just had a TT 6 weeks ago and she was found to have papillary CA and today she will be in isolation due to the radioactive pill. Her thyroid grew into the chest area and wrapped around her trachea and esphosagus (sp?). The MD said it was just a matter of time before it would attack her aorta.

Please check out your MD to make sure he has done plenty of this type of surgery. My MD specializes in endocrine surgery.

[Islandgirl1967]

Since April 2005 I  was diagnose with  a slight inhomogenous and hypoechoic nodule in the upper right pole. I had a FNA done, the results were insuffient cells to determine. In Feburary of 2009 I had another  ultrasound  done. I was told I had another nodule in my left lobe. I had another FNA done  the results on the rt lobe stated unsatisfactory for evaluation, only rare follicular cells are seen. the left lobe favors a goiterous process or an adenomatoid nodule: howerver follicular neoplasm cannot be entirely excluded. I  sat with a Military doctor yesterday who advised me to keep watching it and follow up in 3 months. Iam scared and need some advise.

[questions2521]

Hey, similar situation here.  What was/is your outcome?

[s2ao]

Hi,

I am a 28 year old male, and I found a lump on my thyroid (right lobe,2.7x2.0.1.5 cm). FNA result came back as "Follicular Neoplasm, probably benign". My doctor recommended a hemithyroidectomy, I am on a waiting list for an operation, but my doctor seems to think it's routine and has not flagged as urgent, which means a fairly long wait (a few months). This is the UK National Health Services, so I am not paying, but the flipside is that there are long waiting lists.

My question is, how risky is this wait? Is my doctor right to consider it a routine procedure? I just need some peace of mind, since no one seems to have an answer to this question.

[hangingInThere999]

Hello,

I recently had a FNA and the diagnosis was follicular neoplasm.  Instead of a TT I would like a diagnostic lobectomy, which is where they only take half of the thyroid, the one with the nodule, with the main purpose of doing pathology on it.  If it turns out not to be follicular cancer, then the other half could likely provide enough hormones so I don't need the pill.  In my opinion, jumping to a TT is too aggressive for me anyway, but it also depends on your particular circumstances.

[evelyn415]

I just had a TT last Monday.  The operation went great.  The reason was I have had a complex cyst on my left lobe for five years which I have ultrasounded every six months.  In a recent biopsy the results came back with "possible follicular neoplasm".  Because I had three small nodules, cysts, on the other side, the doctor opted for a TT.  I go back Tuesday for results.  I am scared that it will come back with cancer.  Any advise, or similar situations?