Does Doc Know if its Cancer or Not?
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Does Doc Know if its Cancer or Not?
| Tue, 04-25-2006 - 1:55pm |
Two years ago I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. They found a lump on my thyroid. I was told they are very common, that its usually not cancer and that I would receive no treatment for hyperthyroidism because my levels do, eventually, take care of themselves. How do they know that my lump isn't cancer if they haven't done a biopsy? Was this determined by the ultrasound and uptake scan I had?

Hi Oops3,
Welcome to our board.
Your situation sounds somewhat like mine.
I'm not sure just which are the most reliable tests to decide if it is cancerous or not. I will agree with Calley that if you hear the word "cold" it does usually indicate cancer, but the tests that they did for you will help them reach a decision, but in my honest opinion I don't think they did enough. For one thing, are you going to regular PC's or are you going to an endocrinologist? I would think the dr. would do a fnBiopsy as an added source of knowledge for his records. Also, you mentioned "a" lump and you were told they were very common. Yes, lumps are common, but if they found just one lump I would think they would investigate and test this a little further. Not all nodules are bad, but it's better to have more than one from what I have been told.
My story briefly--I had "a" lump that they called a nodule. Had an ultrasound and an uptake scan. No problem I was told. As time went on, the lump used to swell once in awhile, and then go down--this was more noticeable if I lifted something heavy. Finally, 14 years later I went for my mammogram and the lump was swollen at that time so I mentioned it to the dr. Well, he sent me for thyroid ultra sound, and when the hospital told him I had one 14 years ago he started yelling at me to get that thing out and get it out RIGHT NOW. No, cancer didn't show, he was sure it wouldn't be cancer--guess what, he did a partial, sent it for a biopsy, and I had cancer. He was sure he got all the cancer, but 6 months later I still had cancer and he sent me to an oncologist thyroid surgeon in Boston, out came the rest of my thyroid. I blame myself for waiting 14 years and believing the first dr. that it was nothing. Maybe it was nothing in the beginning, but it did turn cold and bad over time, and I think when the dr.s say they will keep checking it, this is what they are waiting for. If I were you I would want more tests, I would want a specialist, and I would want constant watch on it if you decide not to do anything about a biopsy. Even my fnbiopsy didn't show cancer. Nothing showed cancer before my first surgery. Is this a nightmare of a story or not?
I wish you luck, don't let them poof you off--I think the wait and see attitude is not always the correct approach. Good luck and anxious as to what you will do. Hugs, Bea