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Thyroid Nodule

My daughter who is 17 has multiple nodules on her thyroid, one of concern on the right side which is  1.5 cm.  Goiter was noticed during routine physical exam which resulted in an ultrasound that revealed the nodules and the one large nodule. The initial test blood test ordered by primary care physician for thyroid function was normal; however, due to finding of ultrasound, we were referred to pediatric endocrinologist.  Endocrinologists reviewed ultrasound and ordered more  blood testing which revealed antibodies were high.  Based on the blood test and review of ultrasound, endocrinologist  recommended fine needle aspiration with ultrasound which was completed.  The result of the FNA/biopsy was undeterminable and Dr. has referred us to General Surgeon who has recommended removal of the right side of the thyroid because it is the only way to determine if it is cancer.  The surgeon has 42 years of experience, excellent credentials and I trusted his advice.  He said surgery was not urgent but for peace of mind and to move one, you should probably have this done soon. In my heart, I believe this is the right thing to do to protect my daughter from future problems; however, due to my mother who relies on advice from Dr. Oz, I am doubting my decision to move forward with the surgery.  Can anyone offer advice, experience, recommendation?
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Avatar universal
I would also recommend a second FNA biopsy. Just to be sure.

Also the Dr who was recently on Dr Oz is Dr Florence Comite. She is a Endocrinologist. She believes in Active Survelience, which is watch and monitor as they do for Prostrate problems, etc. She said nodules are not really cancer, it is a glitch in your system. If it is cancer, it is very slow growing and fewer then 1% cause any damage. She discussed a study the Mayo Clinic recently did. I am going to find that online to read it. She said at first every 6 months have an ultrasound done, follow the Thyroid Hormones and watch. Could then have Ultrasounds done less often and watch Thyroid Hormones, etc. Eat foods with Vitamin A, Selenium and Iodine rich foods. I use Dulce flakes from Seaweed. I have started adding a little to my smoothies every day. I also Eat 2 Brazil Nuts every day. They are high in Selenium, depending on the soil they are grown in. I eat organic raw Brazil Nuts.

I have elevated numbers and a single nodule.
I am tweaking my diet, doing research to educate myself and checking out local Drs who do a Functional Mecicine approach. Read what Dr. Mercola and Chris Kesser have to say online. You can also find other Drs who post online to help people. YouTube has info from different Drs also, just so you can get more information.

I would get the 2nd opinion, since it was indeterminable. Remember, surgeons get paid to do surgery. Of course they want to do surgery.
Good luck!
Helpful - 0
1756321 tn?1547095325
I would recommend a second FNA biopsy.  

Excerpts from the study: "Routine second-opinion cytopathology review of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies reduces diagnostic thyroidectomy"....

"Some centers have shown significant discordance when a second pathologist evaluates the same FNA biopsy."

"A second opinion improved FNA biopsy accuracy from 60% to 74%. Overall, second-opinion cytology of indeterminate FNA biopsies avoided diagnostic operation in 25% (32/129)."
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
I can tell you, without a doubt, that Dr Oz is not to be trusted, but beyond that, no one can make the decision for you.

With some more information, we might be able to help make it all make more sense though.  Aside from that, with just one thyroid lobe, your daughter will most likely need to be placed on thyroid replacement hormones, at some point, so you will need a lot more information, going forward, anyway.

First off, what thyroid blood tests were done that came back normal and what were those results.  Please be sure to post the reference ranges, as well, since ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your daughter's own report.

Secondly, which thyroid antibody tests were done that came back high? And what disease was she diagnosed with?  With nodules and a goiter, I'm guessing that she might have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease, in which the body sees the thyroid as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy it, so it eventually stops producing hormones, anyway.  

If I had a biopsy that left doubt as to whether or not I had cancer, I, personally, would, opt to have the lobe removed, especially if I had Hashimoto's and would, eventually, lose thyroid function anyway.
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649848 tn?1534633700
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