FNA showed lump non-cancerous : should I have it removed ? Posted: 05-12-07 04:06am
I have a cyst on my thyroid which has a
solid component too. I have had a fna and
have been told that the lump is not
cancerous but I know no more about it
other than that I am due to have it
removed in 4 weeks time. I am so confused
as to whether I actually need the surgery.
One registrar advised me that if I left
the lump there it would be fine but that I
would have it checked every 6 months (why
check it if it would be fine?) and the
other said that it was best to have it
removed to prevent it becoming nasty in
the future and to double check that it was
not cancerous. I just don't know what to
do for the best. If I don't have it out it
will be monitored, but then there is
(possibly, depending on which doc I speak
to) a risk that it might turn nasty, but
if I have it out I might be having surgery
resulting in a visible scar for no reason.
I really need advice as to whether it is
of a benefit to me to have this surgery.
Thank you
A visible scar on the neck is nothing
compared to the benefit that you will
achieve by removing the “cyst with solid
component in it”. First you should know
that a fine needle aspiration (FNA) is not
a 100% secure diagnostic procedure.
Surgical removal of the cyst with
patho-hystological examination afterward
is the only 100% secure procedure for
distinguishing if the tumor is benign or
malignant. Even if the tumor is benign, it
should be removed because it may produce
excessive amounts of thyroxin that can
cause thyreotoxicosis or can be
transformed into malignant tumor. the
prescribed check ups very 6 months were
suggested exactly for these possible
risks.
You can consult a thoracic surgeon for an
expert opinion.
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