Multinodular non toxic goiter - to be operated or not?

[Jayecee]

Got my blood test results last month and my thyroid function is normal. The only problem is they have seen 5 nodules on my thyroid after conducting ultrasound and my Dr. Is recommending total removal of my thyroid. Is there any other way to get rid of the nodules other than surgery? Please help. Thank you.

[Clutter]

Jayecee, There isn't a way to remove the nodules yet without removing the the thyroid lobe they're on.

[Jayecee in reply to Clutter]

Unfortunately, the 5 nodes they have seen on ultrasound are both in the right & left lobe. So my surgeon is suggesting near total thyroidectomy.

I do not know if I have to do it now or wait a little longer since my blood test results are normal anyway & The nodes are not doing me any problem.

[Clutter in reply to Jayecee]

Jayecee, there is no urgency if the FNA was benign and the nodules aren't causing problems. Ask whether the nodules can be monitored and surgery deferred.

[Rebec]

Have they done any FNA on the nodules? What is the reason you were told you need to have your thyroid removed if it functions fine? Do your nodules make your life difficult like do you have problems in swallowing?

[Jayecee in reply to Rebec]

FNA is some kind of biopsy, right?

Yes I had that and the result is Benign

I don't have problems with swallowing or anything but ultrasounds says there are 5 nodes on both lobes

As per Surgeon, near total thyroidectomy has to be done but it is up to me when

I am not sure if I have to do that now or wait a couple of years

Thank you!

[Jayecee in reply to Jayecee]

By the way, I was also told that since there are 5 nodes and only 1 biopsy has been done, only 1 out of 5 is sure to be non cancerous..

[Rebec in reply to Jayecee]

I have a few nodules, a very big one on the left. The FNA not conclusive. I was told to have half the thyroid removed. But I'm not in a rush as see how difficult it is to get the right quantity of hormone to replace the thyroid. I was told by my endo that in the States they do 'wait and see', but not in the UK.

You must be very young that the surgeon wants to remove the whole thyroid! In your place, I wouldn't go through the knife. At least not yet.

[Jayecee in reply to Rebec]

Yes, I am only 27. They say that if I will not have it removed yet I will still have to have it removed in the future as they may grow bigger as I get older or nodes might become cancerous.

[Rebec in reply to Jayecee]

If you have the thyroid removed now, you will be sure that for the rest of your life, you'll be taking medicine upon medicine and have blood tests upon blood tests. Cancer of the thyroid is curable. Can you have a second opinion, maybe privately, with an endo as any surgeon will suggest surgery.

[Jayecee in reply to Rebec]

My endo was the first who has suggested operation and was referred to a Surgeon. The Ent/surgeon said I should have it too. Im now thinking of having to see another Endo.

[Jayecee in reply to Rebec]

That is also what I am afraid of - the after effect of losing almost my Thyroid.. I find it too early to maintain meds & also My gland is functioning normal ryt now.

[Rebec in reply to Jayecee]

Can't you ask to check all the other nodes? This way, if they find out that they are all more or less OK, then the decision will be by far easier to make.

[Heloise]

I just posted this woman's story from the STTM website.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/2...

[Jayecee]

Hi everybody, just went under near total thyroidectomy (more than 2 weeks now) everything is ok except that I am feeling tightness/numbness till now near the incision.. It seems like there is a slight swelling.. Can you pls advise if it is normal? Your reply would be appreciated.. Thanks!

[Jaylou82 in reply to Jayecee]

How did you find the op ? Would love to know as much about your view of it and experience as I am currently in your situation. Xx please let me know. Also for sure you will have swelling like with any op procedure x

[Jaylou82]

Hi i am currently in the same position. I left mine for 12 years and i wish I didn't has now mine is huge ! I look like I have a a bunch of grapes either side of my windpipe. I've also suffered lately with deafness not sure if it is related but I have never even had an ear infection in my life, so I'm hoping that the the size of my throat is putting pressure somowhere which has caused my hearing. In going to see a surgeon on 27th November so will know more about what's going on there. Has I've not had it looked at for over 10 years, only thyroid blood test which it has never affected. It is scary the thought of having it removed and always do what you feel is right for you. But. Has I have children I can't risk having problems now or in the future has a previous doctor said it may get to a stage where we are unable to remove it due to health reasons please keep me updated xx