biopsy

[boone123]

I have nodules in goiters on my thyroid.  I have hyperthyroidism but only require 25mcg of Levothroid daily.  My throat feels full as if there is some type of pressure.  Should I have a biopsy of the nodules if my father died of medullary thyroid cancer?  My doctor said there was no need for a biopsy.

[utahmomma]

I agree with your friend, the radiology tech, that you need to ask for the biopsy - especially with your family history.  Yeah, there can be false negatives and, because of your family history, you will always be higher risk than the general public so take extra precautions.  Get the biopsies.

Please keep us posted and be well!

Utah

[boone123]

I did have a genetic test that indicated that I did not have the RET gene and I would only be as likely to get the cancer as the general public.  However, I have read info. that indicates there are sometimes false negatives.  The doctor that I saw recently was an internist and did know about my father's history.  The radiology tech is a friend of mine and he said that, if it were him, he would ask for a biopsy, however, I don't "think" he saw anything that he was truly concerned about.  He just said with my family history I needed to think about it.

Thank you for your input.  You were very helpful!

[utahmomma]

Medullary cancer is highly hereditary but there are genetic test to see if you have the gene - have your doctor check your calcitonin levels and the genetic MEN and RET tests and *YES* you need to have the nodule biopsied.  

Is your doctor an endocrinologist?  Is your doctor aware of your father's history?  Your father's fatal thyroid cancer puts you at high risk for thyroid cancer.

Medullary cancer is treatable if caught early enough but can be very difficult if it metastasises so it needs to be caught early (before it has spread past the thyroid).

Here's a link from the Mayo clinic:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma with RAI and recurrence
three family members with papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences/RAI)
daughter and another sister with precancer

[AJWS6]

Not all nodules need fna.  Only the suspicious ones, that are revealed through testing.  

I have numerous nodules, on both sides of my thyroid.  Actually too many to count, from Ultrasound test, but no biopsy required.  

I'm sorry to read of your father's passing.  But not to worry, each individual thyroid case is different.

Good luck to you !!!