MUST I HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY

[Champion7]

I recently had a partial thyroidectomy for what was thought to be a benign lesion on my left thyroid,however, the histopathology report diagnosed it " FOLLICULAR VARIANT OF PAPILLARY CARCINOMA".

The doctors are suggesting a total thyroidectomy even though the right lobe and the nymph nodes aren't affected.

Can't radioactive iodine be used to destroy the cancerous cells left instead of having to do another surgery and having to use L Thyroxine for life.

Please reply urgently.

[TTandnowhyper]

Hi there,
I had a TT and neck disection earlier this year for stage 2 papillary. Whole thyroid removed, one parathyroid and lymph nodes.
I also had RAI, it is better to have the whole thing removed and then your levels will be closely monitored so there is not too much thyroid hormone floating around which could possible bring on a recurrence.
Both my lobes weren't infected either however it is a safer option for cancer. The medication does the exact same thing as what your thyroid would so it won't be a problem.

Hope this helps some :)

[goolarra]

Hi...I see no one is answering your question.  I'm only going to be of limited help since I haven't had thyca, but this will bump your question backup to the top of the page.

Whether you have surgery (total thyroidectomy) or RAI to remove/destroy the cancerous cells, the end result is the same.  Your thyroid function will be destroyed (either surgically or chemically) in the process, and you will be on levothyroxine for the rest of your life.  So, that shouldn't be part of your decision on whether or not to have surgery.

Wish I could be more helpful...good luck.