Question for Dr. Lupo

[JulianneATL]

Dear Dr. Lupo:

I recently had a FNA biopsy for a nodule found by accident. My thyroid levels are normal and my nodule is 2.4 centimeters. My cytology report has me scared on my knees.

Hurthel Cell lesion of indeterminate nature.
Epithelial cells adequate - many groups of Hurthel cells identified.
Colloid - small amount
Macrophages - many
Hurthel Cells - focal mild cytologic atypia present, represented by mild nuclear enlargement and hyperchromasia along with single, slightly prominent nucleus.
Intranuclear inclusions - absent
intranuclear grooves - absent
epethelial cell overlap - absent
microfollicals - absent
psammoma bodies- absent
papillary formations - absent
lymphocytes - absent
* This may represent an adenomatoid nodule with extensive hurthel cell metaplasia, however based on features, a hurthel cell neoplasm cannot be ruled out.

I am a relatively young woman in my 40's with never one health issue. I have a wonderful family,
children and I want to be here for them and live a long, healthy life. I am so scared right now. What do I do, and what would be the top place to have this treated? Can this actually end up being benign and if so, do I do a lobectomy anyway?
Thank you so much - Julie

[Barb135]

I just sent you a PM.

[JulianneATL]

I had requested to speak with you, but they took down my comment because of my phone number listed. Is it possible for us to speak by phone tomorrow before I meet with the surgeon? Ho can I get my phone number to you or vice versa? Thank you!

[Barb135]

As you can see, the Expert forum must have been full for today, so your question got popped back to us.  

I'm far from being an expert on pathology reports, but I see from your report that a lot of things looked at for determining cancer are "absent".

One thing to remember, is thyroid cancer is almost never fatal, as it's the easiest one there is to cure, simply by removing the thyroid.  Of course, it's hard not to be, but there's no reason to be so scared, as there's no reason you won't be around to raise your children and grow old with your husband.

You and your doctor are the only ones who can decide what to do.  If it would make you feel better, get a second opinion.