Hi, 

ive been having tests on my nodule for nearly a year now. 

The first biopsy came back inconclusive (they didn't get enough cell) 

So then I had a nuc med scan to rule out if it was cancer or not .... 

the results came back neither cancer or no cancer so I was advised to get another biopsy . 

I had the biopsy and apparently again it come back inbetween cancer and no cancer so I need surgery to have half nodule removed . 

I keep going over it in my head and think ... is that the only option ???!  Like can't they do it again , is the only option to have surgery ?! 

it feels so extreme and because the doctor was very blunt and un-informative I feel like I've been left in the dark ... no information on wether it's grown etc . Like he's just jumped straight to the surgery option . 

Anybody experienced anything similar or have shy more information on this to educate me more ?! 
 

thanks 

Hey ! 
yeah a nodule would be detected on a ultrasound! 
Then they do a biopsy on it to see what it is .

x

Hi LucyB,

It sounds like it's taken a very long time to get to this point. I'm sorry you've been on such a long ride already.

I also had an indeterminate biopsy result. Your biopsy should have a code (mine was Thy3F) which means the cells have characteristics of both benign and malignant cells. Unfortunately the only way to tell is to remove them and the surrounding tissue and look at them under a microscope. They also dye them and do all sorts of other things. I had half of my thyroid removed in August and I've recovered really well. I was home the same day. The wait afterwards was the worst part - it was 6 long weeks till my results came in. 
 

I had a microcarcinoma and pre-cancer cells in mine which weren't a million miles away from metastasising so I'm really happy they got it out. It really is the safest option. I know others who haven't been so lucky and it really isn't a risk I'd want to take. I'll be on thyroxine for life but taking a little tablet each day is a small price to pay to eliminate cancer. I had a CT scan last week to double check we're all good and hopefully I'll just need annual scans on my remaining thyroid (and another nodule ) going forward if it comes back clear. 
 

Feel free to message me if you need to talk it through or have any questions. It's not an easy journey but you'll get there! Most people don't even need thyroxine and most people have happy news when the results come in ️ 
 

Sophie x

Thankyou soo much for your response !!! 
That has made me feel so much better and reassured! 

I'm so glad you recovered well and they got it before it progressed! 
 

you're right and I know it's the best option I just feel I have no info to go off and I know nothing about this (apart from googling) .... so have a million questions... at the time I was just blank and the doctor was insensitive (as they usually are) ! 
 

How's your scar doing and was you ok to swallow after etc ? 
apparently my appt is in 2/3 weeks . So should all be happening soon. 
how long did you have off work etc ? 
 

Very frustrating to wait soo long for your results  !! Onwards and upwards though now :) xxx
 

Sorry I got confused and put the wrong name on my last reply

Your neck will look a little bit scary for the first few days. Mine is a really fine line now and it's fading every day. After about 3-4 weeks you can start to gently massage a little bio oil or olive oil into it. I don't think mine will be noticeable at all in 6 months to a year! 
 

They advise you to have 2 weeks off work but I needed 3. I was up and about in a couple of days but my thyroid levels weren't quite right so I struggled with tiredness (I still am actually). You'll also be told to shield for 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after I think. Make sure you book some shopping deliveries! 
 

Swallowing was fine. It was just like a mild sore throat. I was able to eat almost immediately after surgery. My voice was okay too but I know some people have a hoarse voice. 
 

What do you know about your nodule?

If I can offer one piece of advice - get copies of all of your results from the hospital. I'm set up with it so they email me anything that comes through. I was told I had cancer by mistake and having my results allowed me to challenge it. It's good to understand as much as you can. 
 

Actually I'll offer more advice - I know it's hard but try to stay away from Google. It can really eat away at you. Especially when you're waiting. I was on it a lot and in hindsight, I made it a lot harder on myself. Understanding that you can't control it and knowing that what will be will be makes it a lot easier.

Honestly, if you have any questions just pop them over and good luck! x x

Hi sophiew,

I'm new to the forum and in a similar situation to you. 6 weeks waiting for your results must have been hell!

My basic chronology is:

Nov 2017 - US scan discovered an indeteminate nodule about 5-6mm.

Mar 2018 - Further US scan showed no significant growth.

Dec 2018 - 1st biopsy determined as Thy3a / U3.

May 2019 - 2nd biopsy where the nodule was 6-7mm and the needle felt 'crunchy' and believed to have hit psammoma bodies. Nodule was re-graded to Thy3a / U4

May 2020 - Operation for hemi-thyroidectomy cancelled due to Covid.

02/11/2020 - Operation completed. 1 night stay in hospital.

I have an appointment for histology results on 26/11 so fingers crossed.

Basically, from the word go my nodule has been small and remained that way but was indeterminate. The 2nd 'crunchy' needle biopsy wasn't expected but it seems that it is an indicator from many studies that maybe something isn't quite right. I'm hoping everything will be fine and that I get to keep the left lobe! Here's hoping! :happy:

Hi had exact similar thing happen to you. Going for my results for the nodules removed Christmas Eve. My apponment is 2:30 but been told to get there for 12, should I be worried I'm so anxious now. Did you have the same? 
 

Thank you, 

Yasmin 

Hi 

So many posts seem similar to my situation. I found a lump in Nov20, everything has taken ages, now end of Jan, so far confirmed not papillary or medullary cancer, but atypical cells. They want to remove it & half my thyroid, but with Covid going rampant...... 

A similar story here:

Feb 2020 - found a lump.

March 2020 - ultrasound scan and FNA: 3 nodules found. 1cm, 1.1cm and 2.7cm

Late March 2020 - Thy3f result on large nodule. Referred for surgery.

Radio silence for several months.

Sept 2020 - I called the consultants secretary for an update. They advised I was booked as routine so it would be a while before I'd get a surgery date.

October 2020 - I asked for a follow up scan to monitor nodules after increased discomfort.

Dec 2020 - no response from hospital so I booked a private ultrasound. 1cm nodule now 1.6cm; 1.1cm nodule now 2.6cm. 2.7cm nodule now 2.9cm.

Jan 2021 - called consultants secretary and forwarded scan results. Advised me they couldn't accept them as nodule classification hadn't been included. 
 

So here I am, nearly a year later. My mental health isn't great. I understand the pandemic is serious but I'm just shocked that they can leave things for so long without monitoring. 

Anyway.....

Heyy ... oh no , sorry it's taking so long !! 
where do you live ??

I actually got called in November to have mine done but that week I had some serious stuff on n couldn't isolate prior so I didn't have it done . 
Then I've actually left the country now and plan to get it done overseas . 
But I can't believe it's taking so long for yours.  As they were quick with mine . 
 

do you have symptoms with yours then ? 
 

I don't have any symptoms with mine and was find accidentally by looking at something else , 

I would definitely keep pushing it to get operated on .