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Newly diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer: What questions should I ask?
Hi,
I was just diagnosed with follicular neoplasm oncocytic cell type. I had been monitored yearly for the past 3 yrs for a left sided nodule with ultrasound and eventually biopsies Year one the nodule was 1.4cm, Year two 1.8 cm and was biopsied with indeterminate results. That sample was sent out for genetic testing and came back with abnormal cell structure 5-10% chance of change to hurthel cell ca yearly monitoring suggested. Year 3 ultrasound showed an increase in size to 2.4 cm and a subsequent biopsy showed the follicular neoplasm. I am scheduled to see a surgeon ( endocrinology) late next week. Any advice would be appreciated. What questions should I ask? Should I get a second opinion? What happens after surgery? Anything would be helpful, cause I’m just overwhelmed and afraid.
Thanking you in advance
Faith29
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Definitely go to surgeon who has experience with thyroid cancer. A lobectomy might be an option instead of complete removal… why remove the entire organ when you might be able to keep half and not need Synthroid. Try not to worry unnecessarily; 5-10% chance of HCC is pretty low. However, based on what I have read since I was diagnosed with having HCC, a surgeon with experience in it would be good. Good luck!
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3 ReactionsMy biggest question to the surgeon is how many have they done in their career. I was advised it’s all about their experience and you want a surgeon that has done thousands of these. The other question is what is the actual procedure and the risk factors. What specifically is the surgery doing (Removal of tumor, thyroid, any lymph nodes, etc)? As far as post surgery from my experience it depends on the actual results of all of the biopsies they will do after tissue removal. I wish you good luck.
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