Surgery advised. Parotid tumor and large thyroid nodule. WWYD?

[wrenchacha10]

Earlier this year I found a lump on my neck. Dr sent me for ultrasound then a biopsy for the 3cm nodule in my thyroid. After 11 passes, the FNA still came back inconclusive. My labs were normal. I recently had my follow up ultrasound and all looks ok, no changes. But we discovered what I thought was a harmless lump on my face is really a parotid tumor. Met with an experienced ENT today and not only did he say the parotid had to go, but after reviewing the info I brought about my thyroid as well he said he strongly advises taking out the left side of my thyroid shortly after. He said anything 3cm and over is when they start to take action, benign or malignant. I'm unsure on what to do. Should I continue to just sit back an monitor this thing or go for it? I'm worried about battling thyroid levels and meds for the rest of my life? I do have about 4 nodules, I believe two in each side. That being said, if surgery, should I see about a TT? Is that easier? WWYD! Thanks!

[Kristina538]

Did you have labs drawn for your thyroid TSH, FT3, FT4??  I had a 3.4 cm nodule which was over-producing hormone and making me progressively more hyper-active.   I could have had half the thyroid out or RAI - I was going to have the operation, but eventually chose to do the RAI instead.   All going well, both should leave you with some thyroid function with a possibility of supplementary meds (or sometimes with RAI possible full supplement depending on the uptake).

I'm not sure about the other nodules.  My large one came back benign (although there's a window of error), but was discovered to be 'hot', which was suspected after the labs were drawn.  'hot' nodules are less likely to be cancerous (window of error there too).    My specialist recommended RAI, but another specialist recommended operation - there seem to be two schools of thought.  I'm not sure what bearing, if any, the parotid tumour may have on your case though....

[Julie0808]

Not to scare you but I went through a TT this year and had stage 1 Papillary cancer on both sides of the thyroid. Only one side tested but after TT it tested positive on other side. I had 4 nodules. They do not get smaller.
Maybe find a surgeon to do a consult. Find a good one! Surgery was not a problem and I have a very small scar. It is a hassle getting hormone leveled out.
Best wishes