Thyroid Nodule.

shoppygirl

I found out a couple of weeks ago during a routine ct scan for a lung nodule follow up ( turned out to be a granuloma) that I now have a 2cm thyroid nodule that has some cystic qualities! I now have to have a biopsy on it. I am aware that these things are common but I am quite fed up with all these things they are finding in me! Has anyone else been through this? After driving myself to the brink of despair over the lung nodule I promised myself that I would not freak out again but I am having a hard time doing so!! Thanks!!

Pattysmiles

Shoppygirl, I had my thyroid nodule biopsy before I discovered my breast cancer. Doesn't matter which order it happens in, we will only worry until the results are in. My thyroid nodule was benign. That celebration was short lived! (As the breast cancer was right around the corner!)Lol.

Anyhow, yes, most thyroid nodules are negative.

I was also told itIS one of the "best cancers" you can have? I don't know how accurate that statement is, but it sure sounds hopeful either way!

Don't sweat the small stuff.



Oh, the procedure wasn't too bad. I drove myself.

Discomfort...that's a word I recall in describing it. However I have a good pain tolerance.

Wishing you all the best.

Pat

shoppygirl

Thanks Pat

I knew I could come to these boards for some encouragement! I just completed treatment and just went back to work and now this! Oh well!!

MelissaDallas

Shoppy, the bad thing about scans is all the little idiosyncrasies that are noted that have nothing to do with anything and probably aren't significant. On my ovarian cancer adventure I learned I have some tiny lung nodules, a kidney cyst, a hemangioma on my spine, an area of probable fatty infiltration on my liver, and so on. On my last MRI they noted I have a cyst in my shoulder joint...none of the docs think any of these are anything to worry about, but it is annoying to wonder...

shoppygirl

Thanks Melissa!

You were one of the amazing ladies to talk me off of the ledge with my lung nodule situation!! And yes it is very annoying to wonder ! Ah, to be normal again!!

Anonymous

They found a nodule on my thyroid during a Mri for my breast. They did a biopsy an it came back inconclusive. They took out half of my thyroid only to find out it was B9. Most of there nodules are B9. If I was stronger back then, I would have had them keep an eye on it a little longer.

shoppygirl

Thanks Veggy!

shoppygirl

Uh the radiologist dr called and they definitely want a biopsy on it!

When will it end!!

daffyc

I can relate, all too much.  On my initial PETscan after my bc diagnosis (last March), a thyroid nodule lit up.  So I had an ultrasound and FNA (fine needle aspiration/biopsy).  The FNA really wasn't that bad at all.  My results were atypical follicular cells.  Basically inconclusive.  So they had to remove the one lobe of my thyroid.  About 90% of these results go on to be benign.  

I underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and just 3 weeks ago had my breast surgery.  At the same surgery, they also removed the one lobe of my thyroid.  I was not a lucky one as it turned out to be papillary thyroid cancer.  Fortunately for me, it was small and did not go to the lymph or anything.  At this time, we are just going to do continued surveillance on the other side of my thyroid.  If it was a larger nodule they would have to go back in to remove the other lobe.  5% chance of recurrance in the other node.  We'll see in time if I need to have the other lobe removed or any other further treatment.

I'm not telling you my results to scare you so I hope I've not done that.  As one of my docs said, if there is any cancer you want, this is the one.  The process of the FNA and even the lobectomy (if you'd even get to that point) is not that bad.  Maybe it's the perspective of having bc, chemo, bilateral mastectomies, etc... I'm also BRCA2+ so there is the thought that the thyroid might not be as surprising because of that status.  

I, too, feel like every time I have a scan something else shows up.  I have an inconclusive 'spot' in my liver that we were unable to get a biopsy on pre chemo.  On my last PET something showed up in my colon, so yep, had a colonoscopy last week.  Nothing showed up.  The thyroid.  All on top of just 'regular' breast cancer stuff:)  

Remember that the chances of it being benign/nothing are more likely than anything else!

Best of luck to you!!!

MaryLW

When I was having a PET scan because of a BC recurrence, they discovered a thyroid nodule. I had a biopsy, which was inconclusive, but my MO said he was sure it would be cancer. We waited until after my BC surgery, chemo, and rads to do anything about the thyroid, because all the docs said it was so much less of a threat. So, finally, I had half my thyroid removed, it was cancer, but the "good" kind (papillary). I take thyroid meds and have an US once a year. It hasn't given me any trouble, really.

shoppygirl

Thank you ladies for your response.

Daffy I know where you are coming from with things showing up on scans as I also have a lung nodule that had not changed ( thank goodness ). That is how they found the thyroid nodule.

Mary wow looking at your stats you have been dealing with the big C for a long time! You must be one string lady. I hope you are doing well.

Still have not received a date for the biopsy. Hopefully soon so I can get this over with.

Hugs to all.

YramAL

Shoppygirl-My 27 year old daughter had a thyroid nodule last year that had both cystic and solid qualities. Apparently, having both indicated a higher risk of malignancy. She had a biopsy and it was benign. She said the biopsy itself was not painful, but the recovery afterward was. Not out of control painful, but painful, none the less. 

Best wishes to you for B9.

Mary

shoppygirl

Thank you Yram. Mine apparently has both qualities as well.

I am glad for the positive outcome for your daughter. I hope mine is the same!!

Thanks again.

MaryLW

ShoppyGirl, I was really afraid of the biopsy because I read that you can't swallow while they're doing it. I knew I couldn't go that long without swallowing. When I was wheeled into surgery, I talked to the nurse about it and she reassured me. It's ok to swallow of you need to. They just might need to locate the image again. I don't remember it being painful--just not comfortable.

shoppygirl

Thanks Mary

I am a little worried about the procedure but then I figure after everything else I have been through, what's one more thing!!

Thanks again !

shoppygirl

Ladies,

I thought I would update everyone! The thyroid nodule was benign! So relieved!

julieho

Hi everyone,  

I am usually on other threads but would love some suggestions.  On an MRI they did last month to look for explanations as to why I am having such severe joint pain, mild neuropathy of hands and feet and muscle/ligament tightness and soreness they found a nodule on my thyroid.  I just got the report which is below.

The radiologist recommendations was to keep an eye on this one and repeat ultra sound in 3 -4 months or "alternatively" do a Fine Needle Aspiration.

I see my oncologist tomorrow for a routine follow up.  I am feeling like I want to push for the FNA.  

I have a genetic mutation (not BRCA) but a rare one that predisposes me to cancer, a high rate of familial cancers and on a routine MRI done on my breast prior to my cancer diagnoses they found something that they called me back in for.  They ultrasounded it and said they didn't think it was cancer so didn't biopsy it.  6 months later, in the exact same spot after my routine mammogram they called me back again for an ultrasound - same place, the "spot" had now tripled in size from what they had found on the MRI 7 months earlier and the biopsy showed it was an agressive cancer and HER2 positive.  Double mastectomy, heavy duty chemo and herceptin for a year.  Not sure I like the "wait and see" approach.  I also have noticed that thryoid cancers grow slowly and I am a bit frightened of the FNA procedure.  I would love if any of you would share your experience.

I am leaning towards asking her to do the FNA now and not wait 3 -4 months for another ultrasound.  (Report is below)

Thanks - Julieho

indeterminate heterogeneous

well-circumscribed nodule in the mid lobe of the left thyroid which

measures 2.0 x 0.9 x 1.4 cm and has a cystic component.

shoppygirl

Hi Julie

I had a FNA on a thyroid nodule that they found on a ct scan in September. The results showed it to be benign but I still followed up with a Thyroid dr last Thursday just to be careful. Mine is quite large at 3cm. The dr advised last week that it was indeed benign but due to its size he would normally want to remove it. As I am due to have an ooph next Thursday he is following it up with another ultrasound in June and then he will decide when to remove it. The FNA was not painful, just kind of uncomfortable and weird to have a needle put in your throat. Also if you are claustrophobic then just be aware that they put a sheet over your face, I guess to avoid any germs getting in. I drove myself to the procedure and went back to work afterwards. If you are concerned about it, having the FNA might give you piece of mind. 

Good luck.