My Biopsy Results

On 7/8/2008 TXMomOfFaith wrote:

Since we just moved to the area I don't know a thing about any of the doctors here. My endo said he would recommend a good surgeon for me since I don't know any. He said it would be a ent, is that normal?

I'm not sure what area you are talking about but I had cancer of the left tonsil and it was an ENT that I was referred to who did the surgery. 

Hi

I am new to this sight, but wanted to respond to your message, since it was the first one I saw.

I also hada FNA result that was undetermined.  It showed Hurthle cells, which usually are only about 20% of the time cancerous.  But with cancer, you shouldn't take a risk.  So I did elect to have all my thyroid removed.  It turned out to be a great decision, as my pathology report showed papillary cancer with tall cell variance.  I am now scheduled to have Thyrogen and RAI therapy August 5th.  I feel great and my surgery went well.  The incision is hardly noticeable. 

I am a little nervous about the RAI treatment, only because they told me that with the tall cells there is a 50/50 chance that I would require more RAI therapy or another type.

 I find that my faith in God and my positive attitude have gotten me this far and it will take me through the rest.

My new motto is... and this too shall pass.

Good Luck to you

My biopsies were inconclusive also.  I had two and it was still inconclusive but "suspicious".  They determined it was follicular, but couldn't determine if it was cancer until the operation. 

I used a general surgeon who specialized in thyroid.  I agree with the advise given about choosing a surgeon.  Come right out and ask them their experience with this particular surgery.  It has become a routine surgery BUT it still has to be done right as not to injure your parathyroid and vocal cords.  I'm 4 months out from TT and you can'teven see the scar.  He put it right in the "crease"!

 Let us know how it turns out for you.  If you need to talk, let me know.

Donna

On 7/7/2008 TXMomOfFaith wrote:

The doctor finally called
about 10 minutes ago. He said the results came out as indeterminate
meaning they couldn't be sure it was benign or they couldn't be sure it
was malignant. He said that only about 5% of results come out this way.
He said in cases like this it is highly recommended that it be removed.
I told him I had already decided on that anyway and was ready to
proceed. I asked him how urgent it was and he said it was not so urgent
that I should have it done within the next few days but urgent enough
that I shouldn't let it go for a few months. His office is going to set
me up with a surgeon and call me to tell me when my appointment is. I
am guessing I will be having the surgery within a few weeks.  I have
never had surgery before so I am a little scared but I have faith in
the Lord that he will watch over me and keep me safe.



I am not feeling very satisfied since I still feel like I did not get
my answer but it feels good to know that we are moving forward with
surgery and that it will come out so I won't have to worry about it
again.



I will let you know all the details when I find out. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.

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I just found this site for some reason and I registered just to reply to your post.  You biopsy sounds EXACTLY like where I was at last October.  The issue for me was that the tumor was disconcertingly large and yet, still not one would come out and say how urgent the surgery was.  Finally my GP told me not to be scared, but not to waste one day extra in getting on the surgeons schedule.  That was a blessing because the tumor turned out to be 5.7cm and Follicular, but with clear margins.  Did RAI as fast as possible and now I'm doing a 6 month follow-up scan next week. (fingers crossed here!)

Anyway, please ask several doctors for recommendations on a good surgeon.  If you live in a major metro area, you should be able to find a surgeon that specializes in it.  Doesn't need to be an Ear Nose Throat surgeon per se.  My surgeon does about 100 of them a year and that was proof to me that she is THE area expert!

Surgery is never fun, but this one is relatively "simple" compared to others - don't wait, you need to know what's going on immediately.

If you want to talk, post back and we'll exchange info offline.  I know it's weird as we're all strangers on a board like this, but sometimes talking to anybody that has some understanding and has "been there" can help.

I'll be praying for you...

I just wanted to see if you had your surgery as of yet or if you are still waiting.  When your biopsy came back as undetermined did you have your first biopsy done? or did you have 2 biopsies?..  Im going through a situation where I had my 1st biopsy done and it came back as undetermined they see a couple cells that look difference but still arent quite sure.  I honestly cannot go through it again.  I was in so much pain after my biopsy and they are talking about doing it with a bigger needle.. Its taking time away from my job and everytime I have to go and do another one of there test i have to pay.  I told them that once its out they can keep it and do all the test they want.. Im not sure what to do.  I have to go back on Thursday to speak with the Endo and the person that did my biopsy.  I honesty cannot go thru that pain again and Im not sure if i want to.  Any advise you can give me to convince my doctors i should have surgery would be wonderful :)

Thanks in advance,

Nory