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2cm Follicular Carcinoma Diagnosis - Next Steps

Sugarwig
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Hi - I received a follicular cancer diagnosis last night, following a right thyroid lobectomy. It was classified pT1b pNO pRO pVO. I've been advised that they will probably leave the left side in tact although my case is being reviewed at the next MDT meeting. I have read that for tumours of this size it is usual to have the remaining thyroid removed - can you offer any advice as to why they're not suggesting this in my case? I'm assuming it's perhaps down to the size of the tumour as it's borderline (only just tipping into a B classification) but any further thoughts would be welcomed.

Last night when I was told - I felt OK about it all and still do - I am just waivering a bit on the decision to leave the other bit of the thyroid.

Any support very welcome. Thanks in advance.

  • Hello Sugarwig and thanks for posting, 

    From what I have read up on looking at the UK thyroid cancer guidelines, the size of a thyroid cancer is a factor in deciding how much surgery is needed, but it isn't the only thing they consider - having clear lymph nodes comes into it as well as the ultrasound appearance of the remaining thyroid lobe. Also having just the one area of cancer all within the thyroid lobe that has been completely removed would be taken into account.  When it comes to size it seems that tumours up to 4 cms can be considered for treatment with a lobectomy, so some T2 tumours ( larger than 2 cms but not bigger than 4cms) can be treated this way along with T1 tumours.

    I expect this is all about balancing the risk of the thyroid cancer coming back with the possible complications of having further surgery.  I can understand you having questions now, but I think your own specialist will be the best person to explain whatever the MDT decide to recommend. If you are uneasy about whatever is recommended do tell them and ask what your options are. 

    Feel free to call us if you want to have a chat. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here from 9-5, weekdays.

    Best wishes, 

    Julia

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Julia

    Thanks Julia - I really appreciate your response. During the appointment I was fine but since I've come home I feel a bit panicky and now have questions that I should have asked when I was in front of my specialist! (Sod's law).

    I shall wait and see what the outcome of the MDT case review is.

    Thanks again.

    :happy:

     

     

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