They're discussing removing half my thyroid :/

[Nixnoonoo]

Hi everyone - its my first post here - just hoping that someone can help shed light for me. I recently had a needle biopsy done on a nodule - it came back as non-cancerous, and my blood work is fine. They phoned me to say that they need to get a couple of specialists to get together to decide on weather half the thyroid must go or not.

I initially went in becuase I had some pain in my throat - and it lasted about a month - not its less, but still feels like pressure and sometimes swallowing feels difficult - but it comes and goes, and doesnt bother me too much now that I know its from a 1.8cm nodule.

So my question is, why would they want to remove half my thyroid if its non cancerous and bloods are ok?

Hope you can help

Thanks all!

Nicky

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and those who've had a similar condition will respond when they read your post. In the meantime, these are past posts which might be helpful.

Information you may need in future. For any blood tests for your thyroid hormones, they should be always be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of thyroid hormones and the test and take it afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at its highest (thyroid stimulating hormone) as doctors are apt to adjust medication according to the whereabouts of the TSH. Always get a print-out of your results, with the ranges. Ranges are important for members to comment upon them. Labs differ in their machines.

You should also request B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

[Nanaedake]

Write to the consultant via his/her secretary with your questions. There may be an email address for his secretary. If you do need surgery then ensure you get a high volume surgeon (one that does more than 40 thyroidectomies a year) to ensure best results. You may need to travel to a different centre for treatment.

[Nixnoonoo in reply to Nanaedake]

I'm on NHS - so I don't get to choose the surgeon - well I dont think so anyway I don't really want to bother the secretary as like I mentioned , they havn't really decided to go ahead or not yet. I was just hoping someone had a similar situation and know what other reason there would be for a surgeon to remove half a thyroid when bloods and biopsies are clear .

Thanks so much!

[Greekchick in reply to Nixnoonoo]

Hi there!

It’s hard to say without seeing your blood work if your nodules are not cancerous. It may be the intermittent swelling of your throat and the concern for blockage of your windpipe and vocal cords. I would want much more explanation from your doctors before allowing anyone to remove my half or all of my thyroid. Normally you would be a watch and wait situation based on what you say - and medication would be offered depending on the severity of your symptoms first.

I had a full TT 13 weeks ago for Graves with a toxic multinodular goiter that was crushing my windpipe and vocal cords - but that was after 25 years with a slowly developing condition .

In your case, it is less clear. While there are no cancerous nodules, have you developed a goiter and how large is it? You would need to post the test results here for members to be able to provide you with sound advice - and that includes results of the biopsy too.

I had numerous biopsies myself so I would want to see exactly what they say. Just saying nodules are not cancerous does not give you enough information.

Please don’t ever be shy about asking doctors and staff for information. That’s what they are there for. This is a huge operation whether partial or whole TT and you need every piece of information to make an informed decision.

Wishing you all the best and hoping you feel better soon.

[Nanaedake in reply to Nixnoonoo]

You can choose which center to have your treatment and could ask for a specific surgeon even on the NHS. Do your research. You can Google surgeons on the Internet to read their specialities and qualifications. You can contact charities or trusts that give patients advice on their condition. You can discuss treatment options with your GP and ask them to refer you for a second opinion or refer you to a different center. Believe me, the knowledge and experience varies hugely from hosp. to hosp. Don't be afraid to take control. It's your body, you decide who does what to it and get the best advice possible.

[Nixnoonoo]

Ok , I'll have to wait to see him next - I'll try to get the details from the test from him. Thanks all