Two "inconclusive" thyroid nodule biopsies

[SHRED]

I have an inch sized tumor/nodule/cyst on my right thyroid lobe.
First biopsy was done without, and the second biopsy was done with, ultrasound assist.

The ultrasound picture indicated it has two liquid chambers, is very defined in shape (encapsulated), and the radiologist who did the biopsy said, "you have nothing to worry about". He was commenting on the shape of the nodule/cyst. While that covers 99% of my fear I can't rest until that 1% is covered.

Just sharing my frustration with this procedure.
Anyone else that has gone or going through this?
Any good support sites?
Being a 55 year old male with both parents gone from cancer of course I am concerned however, losing my thyroid is the last choice I would make.
Is there a way to find out for sure without surgery?
I meet with the doc Jan 31st to go over his idea of "options".
What are some alternative options I should be aware of?
Tips and suggestions?

Thanks

[Warpy]

1. There are far worse things to lose than a thyroid

You get a neat scar to show off and the medication you'll need to replace those thyroid hormones won't break the bank because they're all generic. You just need to find one brand and stick with it because all generic synthroids are not alike.

However, don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you. Your doc could consider this completely benign and either drain the cysts or not and just keep watching it every few months in case it does turn ugly in the future.

[SHRED]

2. thanks for replying

Fortunately most indicators point to this being a benign cyst.

My plan now is for another biopsy and if that is inconclusive then possibly to opt for ultrasound-ing it every year and keep an eye on it for changes.

If I do indeed get my thyroid taken out then I will most likely steer clear of Synthroid and opt for Desiccated Thyroid instead as my wife does.
Synthroid gives many people problems and it is what is almost exclusively pushed by Doctors in the USA. "Armour Thyroid" use to be a decent desiccated thyroid in the USA until the filler agent was changed and assimilation then suffered.

Here is a link to a good desiccated thyroid that is made in Canada:
http://thyroid.erfa.net/

Advocacy group:
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

[jxnmsdemguy65]

3. Please don't let the docs remove your thyroid...

My gf's sister did that and she was dead of lung cancer in two years. Thyroid is important for correct immune system. Take three tablespoons of coconut oil each day to restore/ boost thyroid performance. You won't believe how well it works!

[SHRED]

4. GOOD NEWS

Just recently had a confirming biopsy. They are 97% sure it is benign based on this test:

http://veracyte.com/afirma/Overview/

I will take those odds!!!


---

[cate94]

5. Great!

That is awesome news. I am very happy for you.

I have a lump in my throat - at my thyroid- that I am having checked next week. It took forever to get this appt. Now the lump seems to be shrinking. Of course it waited until right before the appt. to get smaller.

I'm assuming it is just a cyst, but because there is a family history of cancer I get a little nervous- even when I know it is illogical.

[SHRED]

7. I suggest...

...seeing if you can find a doctor who works with the Veracyte testing.

Call Veracyte...they are very helpful and friendly plus the test is virtually free if your income falls under the threshold which is set pretty high.

http://www.veracyte.com/

I found most doctors want to take the thyroid out.

So glad I didn't.


---

[cate94]

8. Thanks!

I'm seeing an endocrinoligist this AM - good to know in case.

[Irishonly]

6. Wonderful news

Those are good odds.

[still_one]

10. How can you make such a generalized statement. I have a cousin whose thyroid was removed thirty

years ago because of cancer, and has been doing fine since.

I am sorry about your sister, however, to make such statements without qualifications, such as a cancer is extremely irresponsible

[kaney2021]

9. Spam deleted by azurnoir (MIR Team)

[tonekat]

12. I take Armour Thyroid

I am hypothyroid and have Addison's Disease. My former endocrinologist overdosed me on hydrocortisone for my Addison's and as a result my right hip suffered avascular necrosis and had to be replaced (twice - the first one became infected). Levoxyl just made me more fatigued. I had to search for a doctor who would give me Armour Thyroid, and I have a copy of Stop the Thyroid Madness. I take a minimal amount of hydrocortisone now (5mg), and take Dexamethasone (.25) before bed as it's long lasting. I feel better than ever.