Folicular Lesion

[Ellens_Mom]

Hi Dr. I am a 38 year old female. I was recently diagnosed with a folicular lesion on my left thyroid. My doctors did ultrasound, blood test, and the fine needle aspiration biopsy on my nodule ( 3 centimeters ). My doctor suggested a lobectomy.
1. Is it possible to remove the nodule only? or in your opinion, should the entire lobe be removed?
2. How likely will I need to take hormone pills after the lobectomy? What are the side effects of the pill? what are the consequences of skipping a dose of the medication?

Thank you very much for your advice!!
Wei

[Ellens_Mom]

Hi Pep88,
Thank you so much for your message. You help me feel more comfortable about having the surgery. Are you feeling ok now with your medication? Take care.
Wei

[pep88]

I had a total thyroidectomy for cancer and no longer have a functioning thyroid.  Therefore I must take thryoid replacement meds for the rest of my life.  I won't say that it's easy finding the right med (or at least it wasn't for me).  You on the other hand may try Synthroid or some other replacement med and be fine out of the shoot.  I had issues with ratio of T4 to T3 and some of the T4 drugs.  Some don't even take T3 at all or need it.  I would guess if you only have half of your thyroid out, they'll wait and see if the other half will take over and maybe you won't even need meds at all.  It's really not something you can dictate and all of "this" will happen.   I would definately recommend having it out though and biopsy while you are on the table (just in case...)

[Ellens_Mom]

Thanks 898 for your message. Do you or anyone on this board know about the side effect of taking TSH after the surgery? How does it make people feel? I am now nervous about the whole thing. Thanks. Wei

[898]

In general, the nodule of this size is usually removed with entire lobe, especially if it is located in the center of the lobe.