Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Had An FNA Biopsy Done On Both Sides Of
Question: I had an FNA biopsy done on both sides of my thyroid after a decade of observing nodules. My left side is benign consistent with goiter nodules. My right side has features that favor a follicular neoplasm. I haven’t been with my endo long (maybe 6 months) and he wants to go straight to removing the right thyroid. I have read that the only way to find out if it’s thyroid cancer is to send it to pathology to determine if it’s follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma. Should I be worried I have cancer? Or is this not a big deal? This is pretty much all the info I was given from my Endocrinologist.
I was also wondering, is there any ways to find out if it is malignant without having it removed? I saw a statistic that said something like 60%-70% of patients who have their thyroid removed end up finding out its not cancer. Of course, when I read that I can't help but think that I might be fine if I don't have the surgery. But I am also able to see that 30-35% did have cancer and that is a fact I can't ignore either.
On a side note, more information because I don't know what's relevant or not. I have large red dry patches on my face, where the skin feels like low grit sandpaper (the other cheek is smooth as normal), I can't seem to exfoliate enough. I have red bumps on the back of my arms that never seem to go away, I have PCOS, I lose clumps of hair during my showers and when I brush my hair or run my fingers through it. Lastly, it has been maybe a month or so that I noticed that when I take my nighttime meds (some with large pills like metformin or 400mg magnesium malate pills) I have that feeling like there is something stuck in my throat. I couldn't tell you how long it has been going on but for at least the past few weeks. I thought it was my GERD acting up, but I have been religious in taking my Prilosec and I still get that "lump" feeling. (I actually have it right now as I type this.)
Again, I don't know what is relevant or not, but I mostly want to try to see if there is another course of action while giving you any random things I have noticed.
Thank you for your time and guidance on this.
I was also wondering, is there any ways to find out if it is malignant without having it removed? I saw a statistic that said something like 60%-70% of patients who have their thyroid removed end up finding out its not cancer. Of course, when I read that I can't help but think that I might be fine if I don't have the surgery. But I am also able to see that 30-35% did have cancer and that is a fact I can't ignore either.
On a side note, more information because I don't know what's relevant or not. I have large red dry patches on my face, where the skin feels like low grit sandpaper (the other cheek is smooth as normal), I can't seem to exfoliate enough. I have red bumps on the back of my arms that never seem to go away, I have PCOS, I lose clumps of hair during my showers and when I brush my hair or run my fingers through it. Lastly, it has been maybe a month or so that I noticed that when I take my nighttime meds (some with large pills like metformin or 400mg magnesium malate pills) I have that feeling like there is something stuck in my throat. I couldn't tell you how long it has been going on but for at least the past few weeks. I thought it was my GERD acting up, but I have been religious in taking my Prilosec and I still get that "lump" feeling. (I actually have it right now as I type this.)
Again, I don't know what is relevant or not, but I mostly want to try to see if there is another course of action while giving you any random things I have noticed.
Thank you for your time and guidance on this.
Brief Answer:
It is recommended surgery followed by a biopsy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
I understand your concern.
The only way to find out if the nodule is benign or malign is through surgery followed by a biopsy.
In your case is recommended a lobectomy, which is the removal of one lobe of the thyroid.
In my opinion the surgery is needed when there are features of a follicular neoplasm.
The dry patches on the face and the hair fall can be related to many possible causes.
PCOS is one of the possible causes.
I recommend to do a blood count to exclude anemia as a possible cause.
As per the feeling in the throat, I suggest to maintain a healthy diet.
I also suggest to continue using Prilosec in the morning before breakfast.
If the symptoms continue, I suggest to do a fibroscopy for further evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
It is recommended surgery followed by a biopsy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
I understand your concern.
The only way to find out if the nodule is benign or malign is through surgery followed by a biopsy.
In your case is recommended a lobectomy, which is the removal of one lobe of the thyroid.
In my opinion the surgery is needed when there are features of a follicular neoplasm.
The dry patches on the face and the hair fall can be related to many possible causes.
PCOS is one of the possible causes.
I recommend to do a blood count to exclude anemia as a possible cause.
As per the feeling in the throat, I suggest to maintain a healthy diet.
I also suggest to continue using Prilosec in the morning before breakfast.
If the symptoms continue, I suggest to do a fibroscopy for further evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
