FNA Says Cannot Rule Out Papillary Carcinoma

[CatieC]

My Endo sent the results of my FNA to another lab for a second opinion because the results were inconclusive. So the second opinion came back inconclusive also. It said it cannot rule out papillary cancer.

I saw my endo today and she told me to make an appointment with the surgeon and get it out. It is a 2cm mass on my right lobe.

I am so upset right now. Do I get a second opinion? I just don't know what decision to make.

[djrenbarrera]

I as well was diagnosed with PTC.It has been an emotional ride for me and still is.For now I`m seeking opinions,diet and exercise, using Eastern medicine Chinese herbal treatments,CAM etc.One day at a time.

[CatieC]

I am trying hard to calm myself. It is hard but I will get there. I agree with you that I should wait a little longer. I don't want to make decisions right now in my emotional state. I have another Endo on the back burner for a second opinion. Like my husband told me, "take one step at a time and in the end, this too will come to pass".

[ChitChatNine]

After 3mos and all bruising, etc. is gone they can try to go in and get a better sample that gives more info  . . . maybe more cells captured ... maybe take from more/different areas of the 2cm nodule than the first time.  Thyroid tests are not always definitive and all along my entire path I have been met with professionals disagreeing with each other with the same results in hand!   There are ever-changing protocols in place, too, regarding thyroid cancer ..... it is a tough call.

I would hang in there for a bit longer, see if you are able to ground yourself and your emotions, get another opinion from another Endo even though the slides have been read more than once and then gather your thoughts and do what you feel you are at peace with.

I am 80% ok with keeping my othr side intact .... the other 20%, well, it gets to me sometimes if I let myself go there ....  but after doing all I suggested you do in the next few days, I made up my mind and had 4 opinions guide me to my final decision to not have a TT even though small cancers were found upon final biopsy on the other half ..... as far as STATS... my own STATS qualify ha ha ha!

C~

[898]

The doctor must use ultrasound-guided  FNA. The thyroid cancer in most cases grows very slow, so the doctors are  hoping to get "better" sample after 3 monts. If possible, after 3 monts have somebody else do the FNA, and make sure they do it guided by the ultrasound

[CatieC]

Yes the second opinion results suggested that the FNA be repeated in 3 months.  However, my endo said "forget the FNA, just go and have it out". Sure, easy for her to say.  What would be the purpose of having the FNA done in 3 months? Would something change? Wouldn't the results still come back inconclusive?

I have to thank both of you for answering my post. My head is spinning out of control right now.

[ChitChatNine]

Two of mine were about 2cm .. a bit under .. and FNA was atypical for follicular cancer and upon removing 1/2 the thryoid it came back totally benign BUT they found two other areas of very small papillary cancers elsewhere in that half of the gland that never showed up on ultrasound, etc. so I am VERY HAPPY I decided to have my surgery.

I was told that 25% of those atypical turn into cancer.  I realize yours is not conclusive and different story.

I would say your options are to wait and have anothe FNA done in a reasonable am't of time or have at least a partial with consent to do TT if it is cancer while on the table.

2cm is not small .. not huge .. but not mm's like one  have on the other side of me is.

My orig nodules turned out to be simply overgrowth of thyroid gland called adenoma.

Have they suggested a retest in 2-3 mos?

Cheryl

[KelDC]

Hi, Catie,

I'm sorry to hear about your inconclusive FNA.  I had an FNA done a month ago, and it was basically inconclusive, too.  One nodule was "suspicious for papillary carcinoma" - as agreed upon by several doctors.  The other they had some disagreement about - some thought it could merely be thyroiditis.  
My surgeon and endo both told me to have it out, as that's the only way to know for sure if it is indeed cancerous.  Stinks, doesn't it?
I cannot tell you what to do - only you know what is best for you and your health.  You've come to the right place for support and guidance, however. This forum has helped me SO MUCH since my "diagnosis."  I hope you find the same here!

Good luck!!!