Inconclusive FNA and next steps?

[Uglybetty87]

My dr rang me today and asked me to come in this afternoon to discuss my FNA results. He said they were inconclusive, that he's been in touch with different drs already and he'll be referring me urgently (said he put a red flag beside my name so should get a date soon!) to a surgeon. He thinks they will want to repeat the FNA and if its inconclusive or shows anything sinister they will want to remove it ASAP. He seemed to want to prepare me for needing surgery, most of the convo was geared around the possibility of surgery (although did once say it could be nothing and they will see me every 3/6 months of so!). I understand the limitations of the FNA and that sometimes they don't know what it is until its removed, but was wondering if anyone has ever had a clear result after an inconclusive one? Is my dr just being over cautious or would there be something in the results that he doesnt like the look of but doesnt say!? He also said they may to do a 'proper biopsy', anyone know what this will entail!? Thanks for any advice!

[Clutter]

Uglybetty87, FNA removes cells from the nodule. Using a larger needle to do a core biopsy will pinch more tissue which will aid analysis and hopefully a conclusive result.

A number of members have had 2 or 3 FNAs and biopsies which were inconclusive and post-op histopathology found the nodule to be benign.

My FNA and biopsy were inconclusive and histopathology found the tumour malignant.

I doubt your doctor is being over cautious. There's often a multi-disciplinary team of radiographer, surgeon, endo, pathologist and oncologist involved in decision/recommendations made. The MDT treating me also had bi-monthly video conferencing with MDTs across three or four other hospitals in the region to confer in decision making and share knowledge.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Uglybetty87 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for your reply Clutter, and sorry to hear about your experiences, I hope you're ok now? The dr did say that a high number of surgery were repeated and no cancer was found afterwards but from doing a bit of reading I think I would rather that than any potential nastiness gets missed. Fingers crossed my appointment comes through soon, is there anything I should be expecting/any questions it would be helpful to ask during this? Thanks again!

[Clutter in reply to Uglybetty87]

Uglybetty87, Ask whether FNA can be repeated a 3rd time if the 2nd is inconclusive. Other than that I can't think of anything else. If the nodule is causing discomfort in swallowing or breathing it may be better to have it removed. The assumption is that the remaining lobe will produce the hormone you require but if it doesn't you will need Levothyroxine.

____________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Uglybetty87 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for the advice, hospital rang and offered an appointment for Christmas Eve so at least theres no waiting!

[Rebec]

I heard my radiographer telling the head of the ENT clinic about the protocol which advises the removal of half the thyroid gland. Look up reasons for having this surgery done. If the thyroid is cancerous, this cancer doesn't spread like other types of cancer. People will correct me if I'm wrong.

[Uglybetty87 in reply to Rebec]

Thanks Rebec, will deffo look that up! Appointment with surgeon on Christmas Eve so would like to swot up a bit by then!