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Thyroid core biopsy still indeterminate

CazStu
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I had a FNA in May following an MRI picking up a 4cm tumour on my left thyroid, that was previously marked as one to watch back in 2020. The result was THY3a. So I had another FNA in October which was also indeterminate. Given I was experiencing a lot of discomfort due to the size of the lump, I went ahead with a partial thyroidectomy and core biopsy in November. A month has passed and I've now been for my results. My surgeon said he thinks it is likely to be benign but the lab testing the tumour have suggested a multi disciplinary team meeting to discuss my case as there's a bit of a grey area. He has said that they may get the cancer hospital to carry out a further biopsy. In the meantime, he told me to enjoy Christmas!!! So I'm now worried! Could this be something quite rare? Something that isn't behaving in a typical way? Could it even be secondary breast as I was diagnosed with oestrogen positive Breast cancer in 2019. Has anyone else had this? 
 

thanks in advance x

  • Hello CazStu

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with some thyroid concerns at the moment. We get many people posting here on the forum who have a thyroid biopsy only to be told that the results are indeterminate and another biopsy is needed. Sometimes even after the second biopsy, the team isn't sure about a diagnosis and I know we've had people post here who have had their whole thyroid removed to err on the side of caution. But obviously, every case is different and the important thing is that the team is trying to get to the bottom of this and get an accurate diagnosis. 

    It's understandable that you're feeling anxious especially given your history of breast cancer. Breast cancer doesn't typically spread to the thyroid so try to not worry too much about that. 

    I'd suggest giving our team of nurses a call. I'm sure they will be able to give you some reassurance and support to help you whilst you're waiting to har about the next steps. If you'd like to talk with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch Caz and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hello,

    I hope you are okay now!

    I am undergoing the exact same thing as I have received thy3a result from biopsy as well. The doctor suggested doing surgery to remove the part that contains the nodule and test on that. I am a bit stressed about it. I am wondering what is your result now and if you did a surgery. How did it go?

     

    Emma

  • Offline in reply to emma1993

    Hi Emma,

    I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I remember it being such a worrying time. Anyhow. I finally had the tumour and my left thyroid lobe removed in November. By the time of the op the lump was 5x4x3cm. The op went well and I was home the next day. I have a 2 inch scar but it looks like a natural crease in my neck and it's never caused me any concern. I was back in work after 12 days. After 4 weeks I went for a follow up and results of the core biopsy- only to be told they still didn't know what it was - that the lab was 90 % sure it was benign but with 10% uncertainties!!!!! I was sent away then a week later phoned to say a multi disciplinary team meeting had happened and they had 'decided' it was benign. I was told I'd be seen in clinic in 12 months. So all in all it went ok but I think it could have been handled better. Since I have felt fatigued, constipated, suffered reflux, low motivation and poor sleep. I also have an inflamed gall bladder and am awaiting results of a scan. I'm convinced it's since having half my thyroid removed and interestingly, the gall bladder and thyroid issues seem to be linked, particularly in women! But the bloods seemingly come back normal. So the fight to be heard goes on. And there's now a small swelling starting to appear on the right side of my thyroid with a slight huskiness in the voice. I'm just keeping an eye on it. I think your surgeon sounds proactive which is good and I honestly had a good experience with the op. My advice would be to discuss your aftercare and make sure all scenarios are covered. I think a 12 month follow up is a bit poor. And if there are still any uncertainties following your core biopsy ask for it to be tested at a cancer specialist hospital. They were supposed to do that with mine but then decided not to. In conclusion - it wasn't cancer; op and recovery went exceptionally well. Aftercare has been ***! Hope that's been helpful Heart️

  • Offline in reply to CazStu

    Hi CazStu,

    Thank you so much for your detailed reply.  I have since then undergone the surgery as well and now waiting for the result. It was a relief for me to hear that your op went well. It went well for me as well! As a matter of fact the surgeon said it was uneventful which is funny. I am now slowly recovering.  

    It is very bizarre that they cannot decide what is your module. I have a feeling it might be the same for me. But I guess its not a bad answer either.

    I hope everything is going well for you and you are feeling much better.

    Best,

    Emma

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