What Can I Expect???

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
What Can I Expect???
4
Wed, 06-28-2006 - 9:01pm

A few weeks ago I went to my dr. for an unrelated problem. While doing a routine physical, he felt a lump on my thyroid. I've had bloodwork done (I was told that everything looked good...) and then had a scan/uptake and a sonogram done yesterday. My doctor just called and told me that the nodules (he used the plural) need to be biopsied. So, I made an appointment with an otolaryngologist (sp??). The nurse told me that she may choose to do a needle biopsy or schedule me for the OR after she checks me out... So what should I expect? Is a needle biopsy painful? If I have to have a biopsy in the OR, what does that entail? How long is the recovery? If they should find a malignancy, how long will I have to wait after the biopsy to have my thyroid removed? ...and the question that is bothering me the most, IF it is cancerous and I have my thyroid removed (completely or partially), will I have to undergo radiation/ chemotherapy....and will they remove lymph nodes, etc. to see if the cancer has spread???

I've read about how treatable thyroid cancer is and how most biopsies end up being benign, but I'm terrified by all of this. I've never had any health problems, no problems with my thyroid, and this really came out of the blue.

Any advice/ answers are really appreciated!
Claudia

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 06-29-2006 - 8:32am

Hi Claudia,


Your situation sounds a little like mine.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2002
Sat, 07-01-2006 - 7:38pm

Hi Claudia, my name is Marilyn, I too have nodules and had a biopsy done about 2 years ago on my thyroid. I had it done as an out patient in a hospital. A tech did the ultra-sound to guide the doctor on where to stick the needle for the biopsies. I had both sides done. You have to keep perfectly still when the doctor sticks the needle in but it does not hurt at all. He numbs the area first. I have numerous nodules and all but one came back negative..that one came back inconclusive. I was put on thyroid meds after that. Every year I went for a ultra-sound just to check and this year they did find a hot or cold nodule ( I now have to go for a scan to determine which one) in two weeks. So like you I don't know what the outcome will be. They may decide to remove my thyroid all together since it is bothering me. I have pain and sometimes my throat hurts

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 07-03-2006 - 11:48am

Thank you for the information! I guess it's just wait-and-see until I know the results of the biopsy. I'll keep you updated!

Claudia

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 07-03-2006 - 11:52am
Hi Marilyn! Thanks for responding. What exactly is a hot or cold nodule? Thanks for the info. on the biopsy. I feel better now about it. I'm just anxious to get it overwith and find out the results. I'll keep you updated! Good luck with what you're going with, too.
Claudia