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.

[KAT57]

Dear Nanticokecreek
It's been over 30 years since I had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer.  Although it is important to be consistent, thyroid replacement medication has a half life that is long enough that you don't notice if you forget to take the pill one day so don't be very concerned about that aspect.  

Check out the thyroid cancer survivors website, it has lots of helpful information.  http://www.thyca.org/thyroglobulin.htm

[kubkib]

Dear nanticokecreek,
"Follicular neoplasm" in FNA includes benign and malignant follicular neoplasms. The only way to differentiate the benign and malignant is to prove of tumor capsular invasion in histologic section (exam by pathologists), that's mean TT. Good lunck for the operation :)

[shellsa]

hi michelle here i just had my right side out 3 weeks ago when i was at hospital they were looking for neoplasm cancer like u i get my pathology results back today  mine grew extremly fast and was pressing against my wind pipe  it still feels like somethings stuck in my throat i dont know what but my left side was healthy.

[nanticokecreek]

Thank you all for your input.  I got lost on this website or would have written sooner.  I am going in for a probably TT on Jan. 23.  Yes, I am waiting a long time for the best Doctor, so I don't mind.  Taking the pill doesn't sound so bad.  Looking forward to no sore throat, no swallowing issues, and, of course the fat lump in my 'bow tie' section being gone.  The Surgeon said I had a 1 in 3 chance of it being malignant because of the thymic irradiation as a child.  It's nice that he tells the truth.  I would rather know, even if it's bad.  After all this, it probably will be benign.  I'm sure it will be thoroughly disgusting whatever it is because it just feels that way.  Thanks a million again!

[PumpkinPatch]

Your thyroid description sounds like what mine was. My symptoms were the voice going scratchy from time to time, pain when I could feel one of the cysts getting inflamed (like a zit inside my neck), the feeling I was going to choke when swallowing food, and the feeling that I always had a really tight turtleneck sweater constricting around my neck.  My doc found follicular neoplasms and she was worried it was cancer so she recommended TT. I had the surgery 2 months later (that's how long it took to get an operation appointment at my hospital-- a regionally well-respected teaching hospital). Biopsy showed it wasn't cancer, but it was thoroughly disgusting (my opinion based on the report). Took a week off work, recovery was easy, and all has been well. The scar faded swiftly and now is imperceptible unless you know to look for it.  I have none of those awful symptoms I had before, plus there's no unsightly goiter or neck swelling anymore. I used to look like I had a fat neck.

Best wishes!

[MarleyRose]

Hi there,

Just read your story...

I understand you wanting to have the surgery as soon as possible but be patient... If your crew is the best - they know what they are doing.  I suggest the following before surgery:

1.  Ask your Dr. if there's anyone you can talk to that has had the kind of surgery you are about to have?

2.  Be prepared.  Ask him EXACTLY what to expect after the surgery.  Will you have drains? If so, how long?  Should you expect swelling?

3.   How many days are you supposed to be in the hospital?

4.  Have you had an MRI?  Ask Dr. about having one before surgery if you have not...

I went in the surgery room completly unexpecting what they were going to do.  Knowing wouldn't of made it any easier but it would of helped me prepare emotionally.  If all they are doing is taking out your thyroid - great, but you need to know what's going to happen without any suprises.

Good luck to you.  Don't loose the faith - it's the only thing that really helped me get through.

Take care,

LB