Partial Thyroidectomy decision??

Hi, 

My first ever post...

I have had a lump ( 3cm) on left lobe of my Thyroid for about 2 years.

I have had an ultrasound  & FNA about 18 months ago & was told it was FLUS ( Follicular lesion undetermined) was given the option of having surgery or leaving it.

As i had no symptoms whatsoever & bloods normal,  I decided to leave it.

18 months have now passed & I was called back for a check up, so another ultrasound & FNA, same result undetermined?? ( level 3)

I am 54 & in good health up to now.

I have never had an operarion or ever been in hospital, so am very scared about having a partial thyroidectomy.

My surgeon is lovely & did say again it was my decision, but i feel he would rather operate, even though the odds are only 1 in 10 it could be cancer.

I do not think about it or worry, which he says is quite unusual as most people would rather have an operation on a lump  if the result is undetremined.

I would like to hear from anyone who has had this operation & their experiences before & after?

I am worried about side effects or having to take medication after, even though my surgeon says the risks are low & only 15% of people usually need medication to help the half a thyroid left.

Even though he has left it in my hands he is going to phone me in 2 weesk to see if I have made a decision.

I would appreciate any response.

  • Hello Jeb50910 and welcome to Cancer Chat! 

    It is indeed a difficult decision to have to take and I hope that you will hear from others on the forum who have had a partial thyroidectomy and that they will be along shortly to share their personal experience with you. It is normal to worry about things like side effects or the possibility of needing to take medication afterwards but it is reassuring that the surgeon mentioned that those risks are low. Whatever you decide, I think it's a good idea to try and gather as much information as you can. Our nurses would be happy to answer questions you may have on this so don't hesitate to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    Several of our members have had a partial thyroidectomy before and hopefully will be along soon to share their story with you. I thought I would mention [@Flowerf4iry]‍ 's thread here where you will find out more about this member's partial thyroidectomy experience. [@JCurti]‍ 's response on the same thread might also be helpful to you so don't hesitate to post on that thread if you wish and to talk to others who found themselves several months ago in a very similar place to you now. 

    I hope everything goes well for you and that you manage to come to the right decision. 

    Best of luck with it and best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator