I'm not a nurse, but I have had thyroid cancer so just going to give some info from my own experience.

Firstly, thyroid nodules/cysts are common. The vast majority, like over 90%, are benign. The odds are that is the case in your situation. 

In my experience, the norm is to begin with an ultrasound and then to decide whether or not to do an FNA based on the results of that. In most cases, I believe, they do do the FNA so if they decide to, it doesn't mean cancer is likely, just that the ultrasound didn't rule it out. If they decide not to, it most likely means that the ultrasound has shown features that indicate cancer is so unlikely, it's not even worth checking for it. The ultrasound alone is enough to say it is benign.

I assume the reason you didn't get an FNA is because the ultrasound results haven't been reviewed yet, so they don't know yet whether or not you need one. The doctor was probably just preparing for the situation where you did, as most people do, but you won't know for sure until you get the results of the ultrasound. I am in Ireland, so this may be different than in the UK, but here sometimes doctors will request things that are precautionary to avoid long waiting lists. Like you are not on the list for an FNA, so if you do need one, you won't be at the back of the list and if you don't, no harm done. Again, this might be different in the UK as it seems like ye're waiting lists are often way shorter (2 weeks compared to um...who knows how long ours are but not two weeks anyway).

Also, thyroid cancer  is generally very slow developing. So even if you do have it, which the odds are against, it's not like a few weeks or even a few months is likely to make any difference. When I was diagnosed, I probably had it for at least 5 years. At least, now that I know what I am looking for, I can see the nodule in photographs taken 4 or 5 years before. And the doctor and nurses were like "well, it's not going to do anything in the immediate future, but best to take care of it now when you're young and healthy."

The most common forms of thyroid cancer also have a near 100% survival rate. I think it is 99.8% or something for under 45s with the most common form. With older people and less common forms, it's a bit higher, but other than anaplastic, which is very rare, most are very survivable. And they don't usually use chemotherapy or radiotherapy for it, so even if you did have it, you wouldn't be undergoing ongoing treatment. You'd just have an operation to remove your thyroid.

Thank you so much for such a detailed response.

I think due to recent experience I would just like to know definitively and I think the only way is an FNA. The 2 week pathway is a good thing, but just feel I've been left hanging. Apparently that Dr is now on annual leave and the only request his secretary has had is for some admin time in September to review the ultrasound results, which seems like a long way off.

I'm in a lot of discomfort with my neck. It's sore and swollen and the lump feels quite large so I'm hoping something can be done even if it's benign. I understand cysts don't usually resolve on their own unfortunately. It came up so quickly and it's all I can think about at the moment, so hoping for some answers from the doctor soon.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

It's very possible they'll remove it either way if it is causing you problems. If it's benign, they will probably just remove the part of your thryoid that the nodule is on whereas if it is malignant, they will likely remove all of your thyroid and possibly some lymph nodes. I was told when I had the FNA that if it was benign, I could have it removed anyway, if I wished.

Sorry to hear it's causing your difficulties.

Ok thank you. Hopefully I will find out soon. Hope you're doing ok now.

I'm absolutely fine, thanks. Hope you get good news.

Hello there

I am sorry to hear about your situation and appreciate you being left confused and anxious about what is going on.

I'm afraid no one here can shed any light for you about what has happened as we are not involved in your care.

I suggest speaking to your GP again to find out if they can chase this up although it may be out of their hands as well if there is no more information to be found from the hospital notes.

If the symptoms are continuing or worsening the GP may be able to refer you back to the hospital so another assessment and more tests can be done if necessary. 

Even if the first doctor you saw was concerned if when the doctor carried out the ultrasound it showed a fluid filled cyst with no other concerning features then a biopsy isn't always required.

It seems the letter from the ENT doctor had been written and sent before the ultrasound findings were made available, which is why there has been some confusion, perhaps.

It is reassuring the ENT doctor is going to follow up the ultrasound results themselves in a few weeks time but I appreciate sitting and waiting whilst having symptoms must be unsettling.

Talk to your GP when you can and see what they suggest.

I hope you know more very soon

Take care

Naomi