Right lobe removal

[Suecoo66]

I've been told my the ENT consultant today they want to remove the right lobe of my thyroid due to a lesion

I have a 6x4cm nodule which I've had 2 biopsies on the 1st was inconclusive and the 2nd showed a borderline lesion

So has anyone had this done who can give me their experience of how it went etc?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I haven’t personal experience but surgical complications are rare.

As medics are removing 1 lobe they will see how well & if your remaining thyroid manages to adapt to making enough hormone.

It very important you have a FULL thyroid function prior to surgery.

This makes sure your in the best situation prior to undergoing surgery and you have a benchmark to compare post surgery.

In your previous posts you have had a low TSH but low quite low thyroid levels (FT4 & FT3) ie your TSH / thyroid hasn’t responded as you would expect.

You must be monitored by more that TSH and I’d make sure the doctor agrees to this point.

This low TSH hasn’t been investigated & you haven’t had thyroid antibodies tested either. (TPO & TG antibodies). This will be important as of positive it could explain unusual results and will indicate replacement hormone will be likely.

Also important to test folate ferritin B12 and vitamin D? Test privately if doctors refer to test all.

It’s taken quite a while to get to this stage. I remember the doctor initially said everything OK, but after you read the report yourself which said you needed a referral things were checked.

As you have mentioned choking issues & now an inconclusive FNA result I agree it is best to address it surgically.

[Suecoo66 in reply to PurpleNails]

I had a 2nd biopsy which he said showed a borderline lesion hence taking it out. I've not had a full thyroid function and still waiting to see the endocrinologist

[shaws Administrator in reply to Suecoo66]

I think it is a good idea for the consultation with an Endocrinologist first - before you decide upon the operation.

[Suecoo66 in reply to shaws]

They want to do it urgently and being NHS I don't have much choice on when my endocrinologist appointment comes up

[Suecoo66 in reply to shaws]

I emailed them last night and actually got a call this morning with an appointment that came up due to a cancellation so I'm seeing the endocrinologist this afternoon

[Brightness14]

I had my whole thyroid removed back in 2015 in France. Here they don't remove half only whole. Before I moved back in the UK I had two FNA and both came back negative, however, when the thyroid and lump were removed and tested I had Papillary cancer. I choose an older surgeon a professor in Poitiers hospital. I was pleased that I had mine fully removed. Sometimes you have to go back for the other half to be removed if in the UK.

[Suecoo66 in reply to Brightness14]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[Hedgeree]

Hi Suecoo66,

I'm also being guided towards getting a partial thyroidectomy. It was a bit of a shock as I had an appointment yesterday thinking I was just going to have a third biopsy but instead the surgeon is saying best to get right side removed.

It seems we're having a similar experience. I posted last night then found your post afterwards. Is it ok if I follow you?

[Suecoo66 in reply to Hedgeree]

Yes of course! Feel free to message me if you want to. Do you have a nodule too? My whole right lobe has been taken over by the nodule I have and the 1st biopsy was inconclusive but the 2nd one I was told was borderline lesion. Both ENT and endocrinology are saying it needs to come out to be tested as that's the only way of properly testing for cancer as some of it will be sent for testing. They say that my levels should go back to normal as the left lobe is normal. Only my TSH is abnormal my other levels are OK. The endocrinologist says I have sub clinical hyperthyroidism most likely caused by the nodule

[Hedgeree in reply to Suecoo66]

Hi Suecoo66,

Thanks! Yes a nodule on the right side of my thyroid they said it's too big to remove just the nodule. Very similar to you as first biopsy was indeterminate and second they've found some possible suspicious (follicular?) cells so being guided towards a partial thyroidectomy.

They've also said it has to be removed and will only find out two weeks afterwards if it was cancerous or not.

It was a bit of a shock yesterday as I really wasn't expecting it. I've also been reading about ablation as an alternative option but only available in a few places in the UK and not sure if I'm suitable? More reading and research to do!

I've not had a full diagnosis yet just one of multinodular goitre. I think ENT surgeon said she was going to contact the endocrinologist as my next appointment isn't until after the date for the operation.

My thyroid levels are ok apart from a below range FT4 which they seem to be suggesting is my 'normal' not happy as I'm very hypo symptomatic.

[Suecoo66 in reply to Hedgeree]

Assume you've had an ultrasound?

[Hedgeree in reply to Suecoo66]

Yes had ultrasound first which suggested ok just biggish nodule (just over 3cms) and other smaller nodules on other lobe. Got checked FNA later then about six/eight weeks later had a second FNA. So yesterday thought I was having another FNA but not so the surgeon is guiding me towards partial thyroidectomy.

[Suecoo66 in reply to Hedgeree]

Mines 6 x 4cms so quite big