I have a 3 cm complex cold nodule with some obstructive symptoms (cough, swallowing) and will get the results of a needle biopsy in a few days. My understanding is that the lump has to come out, that it will be a partial thyroidectomy, and that if there are cancer cells in the needle biopsy sample then the entire thyroid should come out. If the results of the biopsy are negative or inconclusive then I have to chose whether to have a full or partial thyroidectomy, with the surgeon and my GP leaning toward having the whole thing out, "but it's still up to you". So what then should I do?
Why not just take the lump and see what it turns out to be, and leave the thyroid for now? I'm about to turn 50, in good health, fit, reasonably energetic.