can the surgeon take out just the nodule or drain it

[helpme345]

as i stated, i have a peach pit size nodule on my lower left thyroid gland. it has grown 20 percent and i am going for a repeat ultrasound in aug.. if i need surgery can they take out just the nodule or drain it. i have had a parathyroidectomy one gland removed in 1991. the calcium level is being monitored and has been ok . the problem now is this huge solid filled thyroid nodule. i have had so many surgeries in my past the last thing i want is another one. i am on the road to a hysterectomy as well in the very near future. can you imagine what i am going to be like with all of this. i don't want to get fat. i work at my weight and certainly don't need this .if i need a repeat fna i will go. i had one on nov 2011 it showed no cancer. please anyone please write back to me for much needed support. i thank you all.

[helpme345]

i forgot to mention i am allergic to ivp dye. is this related to iodine you take for the thyroid. thank you

[helpme345]

thank you Dr Lupo. will they take only the resection part out. my nodule was cold. it does not take up iodine.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Unless the TSH is slightly elevated, for example greater than 3, thyroid hormone therapy is not likely to help.  If it's not cystic, it cannot be drained.  I-131 could be helpful if an I-123 scan shows that the nodule takes up iodine.  This is only used for clearly benign nodules after biopsy.  Otherwise surgical resection is the best choice for large nodules like this.