ok I think I am not asking this question right, ....

[lorree]

Have not gotten any responses so I think I am confusing people, so let me ask again and maybe someone will be able to help...For those of you who have had their thyroid out due to nodules involving cancer...can you tell me if the size of the nodule before sugary is the size of your cancer tumour, or have you gone in with a 2cm nodule to find out that it was only part cancerous?  Like after surgary have you found out that although the nodule was big the actual cancer involved was not as drastic as the 2 cm nodule...they say size of cancer is a concern of treatment, and i am wondering how they determine size, is nodule same as tumour.  Sonds confusing but I am so concerned with the 4.2cm size of this nodule and how quick it has grown.  someone...anyone plz respond, It would be more than greatly appreciated to hear from someone that has been through this rather than the crazy internet sites, ya no!


Thanks to all!


Lor

[ChitChatNine]

My largest nodule was ultrasounded at 1.9cm and was totally benign upon final biopsy AND was much smaller--- I think like 1.3cm upon final exam and the cancer that was found was incidental in two tiny areas and not follicular as they suspected in the benign ones, but papillary micro's .. they were tiny as in <5.0mm each and fully encapsulated .. there were two which makes it a bit more concerning (multi focal) but we've decided no RAI and the other side still has a 4.0mm stable nodule intact.  The risk/benefit thing doesn't make sense according to almost 5 opinions for which I agree.  One o fthe 5 said to do the whole thing (TT), but then added in "either way you'll be fine".

C~

[Smilerdeb]

I had no nodules but cancer in the whole thyroid itself.
I had RAI because of Storm then TT 3 months after.
I go for a full body scan again and uptake scan as this month is my one year anniversary since RAI.

[shecatsr]

This is one of those times when you must pay close attention to your Doctor and insist that he/she thoroughly explain the Path Report.  The significance of the size is usually connected to how far the Thy Ca has progressed.  I had a benign solitary tumor ~ 0.6 cm in April 1996.  In October 1996 I had ~ 15 tumors.  My doctor was convinced that these tumors or nodules (they are the same thing) were benign based on the April biopsy.just 6 months prior to that date.  After much arguing, I agreed to a Subtotal Thyroidectomy ( I have had a life threatening Staph infection and so was a lot afraid of a recurrence.  
The Pathology Examination revealed a 0.6 cm Papillary Thy Ca and a 0.5 cm Follicular Variant Thy Ca, which the Pathologist felt was metastasis within the gland and recommended a total U131 Ablation.  
Ordinarily, my Endo says, anything >1.0 cm is treated rather agressively.  I appreciate this attitude, because I my tumors totaled larger than 1.0 cm.  I am now ~ 14 years out with no recurrence and I am now considered cured.  I know it could still recur, but the odds are in my favor now.  
So, live well and be happy.
Stephanie R.

[redheadaussie]

The nodule itself is not always the cancer. You can have a tiny amount of cancerous cells in a huge 4 cm nodule. Often the nodule is thyroid tissue trying to do soemthing it shouldn't. Not all nodules are cancer. Some are just cyts, some are solid, some are empty, some are thyroid tissue and produce their own hormones, some are cancerous.
   The size is really irrelevant to the diagnosis. I had over 10 nodules on my right side. But only one had Hurthle Cells in it. That was the 4 cm one. It was mostly Hurthle Cells, but not all of it was.
  Unfortunately there is no cut and dried answer to your question. Nodules rarely ever behave the same as another one, even in the same person!

[Terri627]

My response to your other post read 1mm, but I meant 1cm, maybe a little bigger, but not smaller then 1cm. I hate metrics! Anyway, to be honest I don't remember if the nodule was cancerous or if the tissue was, but I'm 90% sure it was the nodule. I lost my copy of the pathology report a few years ago while moving. Hope you are doing well today :)

[monica148]

A nodule on one side of my thyroid was 1.7 cm, and I don't know the size of the second nodule.  If you have a nodule, the doctor needs to do a Fine Needle Aspiration to determine what type of cells there are.  After that, if they are normal, you will be watched over time, to see if there are changes.  If they are suspicious for cancer, or cancer for sure, you will need surgery.  Your doctor will tell you what you need to have your thyroid nodule managed.  The size of the nodule is not the important factor. It is what the nodule is composed of which is important.

Best of luck.  

[MANmom]

My biggest nodule was over 2.1 cm, but my cancer was NOT found in the nodules...it was found in the thyroid tissue.  The size of the nodule may not matter.  The nodules could be totally benign, mine were.  I think I was reading your prior post, have you recently had a baby?  Your hormone levels are probably crazy.  After my second child was born, I had postpartum hypothyroidism.  That alone could make the nodules grow quickly.  You need to be dilligent, but don't let it drive you crazy.  Stay the coarse.