Hello Book, and thank you for getting in touch,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re waiting for surgery to remove a lump from your thyroid. Waiting for tests or treatment can be very stressful, and it’s completely understandable to feel worried, especially if you feel the lump has changed.

It can be difficult to know exactly why the lump feels different. Sometimes, when we’re understandably focused on an area of our body, we can become much more aware of it. This can make changes seem more noticeable.

From what you’ve said, your biopsy result was Thy 3 (CAT 3). This means there are abnormal cells, but it isn’t possible to say for certain whether they are cancerous. Many people with this type of result do not go on to be diagnosed with cancer, but surgery is recommended to find out more.

I know it can be worrying if you feel the lump is getting bigger. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is cancer or that anything is spreading. Even if it were a thyroid cancer, these cancers are usually slow-growing, and it would be very unusual for things to change significantly in a short time while you are waiting for surgery.

This period of waiting can feel very uncertain and out of your control, and it’s easy for your mind to jump to the worst-case scenario. Taking things one step at a time, as you are able, can sometimes help.

We hope you have people around you who can support you during this time. Once you’ve had your surgery, the results will give a clearer answer and help your team plan the next steps, which can often bring reassurance.

In the meantime, if you would like to talk things through, you’re very welcome to get back in touch. You can also speak with one of our nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery.

Jemma