Open biopsy

[RedCandle]

Hi all, So, in my research to discover alternatives to surgery for TT to rule out cancer, I've come across something called Thyroid Excisional Biopsy

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/adam/data/003901.html.

This is a link to the UCSF thyroid clinic. What is this all about, do surgeons still do this, and if so why are people getting TT's or partials for cancer detection/outruling if such a thing like this exists, which can save the thyroid if the nodule(s) aren't malignant? My endo didnt even cite this as an option; well he said, "we don't really take nodules out anymore, we just do partials or TT's." My FNA was "inconclusive" and he recommended surgery immediately. In lieu of the relatively long recovery times and life time of meds that option implies, i'd like to at least be sure it has to come out before doing so. Is there a reason that i'm missing why this wasn't presented to me as an option? I seem to be low-risk for cancer, why is TT surgery so readily reached for?

Please if you have any information regarding this type of biopsy, let me know. (I don't think this is the coarse needle biopsy, either) Again, thank you guys so much in advance for any and all replies.

[RedCandle]

Thank you for your thoughtful response! I do have a set date for surgery (2/16, please think of me!) but before that I am scurrying for more information before "what's done is done." I really like your pictures, especially the one of you smiling post TT eating with your family. It's very inspiring. How are you doing with your own recovery?

[blsdnsvd]

I had a TT due to "possible" cancerous cells within the nodules. Although my fna's were all benign, due to the fact that these particular cells were there, surgery was recommended. I weighed all options and also asked: "if i could be given hormone med's to possible shrink the nodules...however, i was told that they donot give that option anymore and never mentioned anything else...(i had 3 surgeon opinions). It's great to weigh your options, however, as you are putting it off, the nodules can grow bigger and be harder to treat, which is why i opted to just do it and get it over with. Thank God, my pathology report was benign for Cancer, however, I do feel relieved that i do have to continue to keep watch. God Bless You and you will be fine.