Papillary Cancer with Tall Cell Varient

[michelle62]

hi everyone I am new to the forum.  I have just underwent my second thyroid surgery within a year.I have the rare form of papillary thyroid cancer with the tall cell varient.  I was wondering if anyone else has this type and what can I expect?

[michelle62]

I had the ultra sound that indicated I had an one inch cold thyroid nodule.  The next step was a fine needle biopsy which came back follicular and indeterminate cells. So the next step was to have the side with the thyroid node removed.  During the operation they biopsy the tumor which came back as papillary cancer so the doctor removed the entire thyroid.  So I really didn't know I had cancer until after the surgery. However the pathologist didn't get the cancer diagnosis right it had a tall cell variant which is very agressive and should be watch more closely.  I already had my second surgery within 10 months. I am not sure about my TPO levels. Prior to the discovery of the thyroid nodule my blood work was coming out normal.  Because I felt so exhausted with major memory issues with swollen lymp nodes I really pushed for other tests and that was when my general doctor ordered the ultra sound.  Good Luck - Michelle

[SophiaMia]

How did the diagnose you with thyroid cancer?  Were your TPO levels abnormally high?  Mine are 30,000.  I'm waiting for a referral for an endo now, but I am a little anxious.  Good luck with your therapy.  I hope it is successful.

[michelle62]

My first surgery was a TT and was diagnosed as papillary cancer. I had issues with the follow up scans ROI uptakes.  It looked as if the cancer had gone to the arm through the bone. Extremely unusual.  My Endo doctor said it is probably an error and to wait a year to see what happens.  I went for a second opionion new doctors & new hospital.  My tumor was actually papillary with the tall cell variant a much more agressive type of cancer.  The new doctor had an MRI done on the shoulder which came back negative and a neck ultra sound which showed up a new 1/2 inch tumor with possible lymph node issues.  This was just two months after the ROI treatment.  The tumor tested positive for cancer. I also found out that with the tall cell varient ROI isn't an effective treatment and that many people aren't diagnosed correctly with the tall cell variant.  My second surgery removed the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes and I waiting on the pathology report.  

[bluestarmom187]

Just wondering..was your 1st surgery a TT or a partial? what was the 2nd surgery?