to biopsy or not to biopsy...

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
to biopsy or not to biopsy...
4
Mon, 07-12-2004 - 11:26pm
Hello all,

I was out with my mom and my sister's mother-in-law today. I guess my brother-in-law's sister had thyroid cancer. And through all our talks about all things thyroid, I'm rethinking about asking for a biopsy. In her case she had a partial thyroidectomy when she was thirteen because of nodules. Then a few years ago at a check up she had a singular large nodule and she pushed for a biopsy because she didn't feel right about it. Come to find out it was stage 2 cancer. She had the rest of the thyroid removed, and the doctors took some parathyroid glands out with it, and she's had seizures because of the drop in calcium to where her doctor was afraid she was going to die while having a seizure at the hospital because the dummies didn't listen to him when he called to tell them they were bringing her and she needed a calcium drip!

So they are definately concerned about me. I'm really not nervous about it or anything, not like I was at first when I didn't understand any of it. And by it I mean my condition. But I do wonder if it could be beneficial just because I still have swollen salvatory glands (2 years and going strong!) along with the goiter and autoimmune thyroid condition.

What do you think? Should I consider it? Should I ask for a RAI uptake test? I'm not sure where to go from here. Plus my endo wanted me to have a cat scan to check for compression, and I'm not having compression symptoms anymore, but I'll ask my MD about that. I was also thinking about maybe seeing another endo b/c my first impression was that mine didn't treat me seriously, but then the more I've researched she was right, I just didn't think so at the time.

I'm just curious. Thanks ladies, Lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 10:00am
Hi Lisa - I just have a second but I would say that you should follow the steps that are usually taken and have the scan and see what it shows, then RAI uptake, if that's needed and see what that brings. The last thing to do would be the biopsy but by all means, do it if the scan and RAI show that it's needed. That's the strange thing about doctors. Sometimes, their attitude is so bad, we don't trust them. Then we find out they were right!! If you think you'd feel more comfortable going through this with another doctor, then check into that. But if I were you, I'd go for the scan to start things off. Hugs, Cathy
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 10:36am
thanks! I read on shoman's site about a doc in my area who has been listed as one of the best who my doc WILL REFER ME TOO! I think i'm going there next. Its the same doc my hubby was referred to. I read about diagnosing for hashimoto's disease by using a FNA to test for lymphocytes and macrophages--so maybe when I have my appt I'll ask about that. I'm also switching to my hubby's doctor at the end of the month, he's an osteopath--I think he'll take more time with me plus he'll actually have an educated thought about us wanting to take the most natural path. Cathy, you are such a superwoman. I am so comforted how you go the distance. --lis
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-13-2004 - 7:52pm
That's so great! And thanks for being so sweet! Imagine having a doctor that might know more than you do?? LOL! About your other question on the antithyroid antibodies ...... I can't find any info at all on the ranges of normal to hypo to hyper. I also didn't find anything good explaining them beyond the usual. I'll keep looking and let you know if i find anything! Hugs, Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 4:30pm
Hello. I didn't read your initial question so just picking up on the comments. However, I would highly suggest going through the array of tests. I know I first had bloodwork, ultrasound, and then the uptake scan. After all that it was then suggested I had the biopsy, which sounds worse than what it was. All you feel is a slight pinch like giving blood and the relief of knowing what the results are well worth it.