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Thyroid nodule biopsy

Posted by memada32 @memada32, Dec 28, 2022

Hi! I am 40 y.o. and recently diagnosed with multiple thyroid nodules and family doctor is recommending biopsy. Has anyone found good research on the risks of biopsy to spread cancer? Also, how was your personal experience with this kind of biopsy? Thanks in advance! Trying to get as much info before making a decision.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 15, 2023
In reply to @memada32 "Update: I did go ahead and have the biopsy and it turned out to be inconclusive...." + (show)
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Update: I did go ahead and have the biopsy and it turned out to be inconclusive. The recommendation is to have another one....TBD I guess

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Any update @memada32? did you have another biopsy?

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dunroamin | @dunroamin | Oct 2 5:36pm

I have recently received the following results after a thyroid nodule biopsy: AUS or Atypia of Unknown Significance. Maybe cancer, maybe not. 15-25% that it could be, 75-85% that it’s not. I was asked to decide to either wait and watch, retest in 3 - 6 months or opt for surgery to remove 1/2 the thyroid. Anyone here with a similar diagnosis? Trying to make an informed decision.

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koh | @koh | Oct 3 10:59am
In reply to @dunroamin "I have recently received the following results after a thyroid nodule biopsy: AUS or Atypia of..." + (show)
Profile picture for dunroamin @dunroamin

I have recently received the following results after a thyroid nodule biopsy: AUS or Atypia of Unknown Significance. Maybe cancer, maybe not. 15-25% that it could be, 75-85% that it’s not. I was asked to decide to either wait and watch, retest in 3 - 6 months or opt for surgery to remove 1/2 the thyroid. Anyone here with a similar diagnosis? Trying to make an informed decision.

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@dunroamin
Hi! In my opinion, surgery should be the last option and since thyroid cancer tends to stay encapsulated, monitoring it might give you more information. Years ago, the common practice seemed to be to remove the thyroid to DETERMINE if you had cancer. I believe there are much better tools to give the doctors a better idea about the status of nodules so they don’t just rush for thyroid removal. From what I have read and experienced there is a test with a very high probability for predicting cancer. When you have a FNA they send the specimens out for AFFIRMA testing and it gives a probability for cancer. A second opinion with AFFIRMA testing might help you make an informed decision. Also, if you have a large nodule that might cause “crushing issues,” you might want to be evaluated to see if you are a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to see if the nodule can be ablated….shrinking the nodule seems better than removing an organ that our system relies on to function. I had a partial thyroidectomy but the remaining thyroid did not pick up the work so I had to start medication. FOR SOME PEOPLE, finding the right medicine and the right dose can be very difficult. I have been dealing with side effects from medication that are hard to manage (even though my thyroid numbers are in the normal range). If the doctor left the decision up to you, it sounds like there isn’t an urgency, so waiting to see if there is significant growth might be a better option. Of course, if you have a significant family history with thyroid cancer, I would suggest a second opinion to be sure your probability is low. Good luck!

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dunroamin | @dunroamin | Oct 3 3:28pm
In reply to @koh "@dunroamin Hi! In my opinion, surgery should be the last option and since thyroid cancer tends..." + (show)
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@dunroamin
Hi! In my opinion, surgery should be the last option and since thyroid cancer tends to stay encapsulated, monitoring it might give you more information. Years ago, the common practice seemed to be to remove the thyroid to DETERMINE if you had cancer. I believe there are much better tools to give the doctors a better idea about the status of nodules so they don’t just rush for thyroid removal. From what I have read and experienced there is a test with a very high probability for predicting cancer. When you have a FNA they send the specimens out for AFFIRMA testing and it gives a probability for cancer. A second opinion with AFFIRMA testing might help you make an informed decision. Also, if you have a large nodule that might cause “crushing issues,” you might want to be evaluated to see if you are a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to see if the nodule can be ablated….shrinking the nodule seems better than removing an organ that our system relies on to function. I had a partial thyroidectomy but the remaining thyroid did not pick up the work so I had to start medication. FOR SOME PEOPLE, finding the right medicine and the right dose can be very difficult. I have been dealing with side effects from medication that are hard to manage (even though my thyroid numbers are in the normal range). If the doctor left the decision up to you, it sounds like there isn’t an urgency, so waiting to see if there is significant growth might be a better option. Of course, if you have a significant family history with thyroid cancer, I would suggest a second opinion to be sure your probability is low. Good luck!

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@koh thank you so much for supporting my thoughts exactly. I will indeed inquire about the FNA testing to see if that’s offered. It really seems concerning that they willing to remove 1/2 the thyroid without confirming that it’s necessary. Can I ask what medication you were put on and the side effects? I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t a positive experience for you.

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