Does a papillary tumour mean it was cancer?

[RhubarbAndCustard]

Hello,

So there was an incidental finding of a 5mm papillary tumour found inside my thyroid when they examined it after my total thyroidectomy. Does this mean it was cancer?

I've been diagnosed with Graves' Disease for nearly 4 years and never had an ultrasound. The doctor's have said they don't need to do anything else now as it's all been removed. It was a little bit of a shock.

[shaws Administrator]

Yes it would have been a shock but the following link may be helpful - i.e.

"Papillary tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)."

I think GP would keep an eye on you in any case. I am sure your tumour would have been thoroughly checked.

cancer.gov/publications/dic...

[RhubarbAndCustard in reply to shaws]

Wouldn't you think they would specify in the letter which it was just so I know. I am at my GP on Monday so I wonder if they will be able to clarify for me.

[shaws Administrator in reply to RhubarbAndCustard]

It is normal that we worry when we're unwell and probably they are so used to discussing problems patients have without much thought given to how the patient may worry unnecessarily,