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needle biopsy
I have an Ultrasound , CT scan of neck and a FN biospsy scheduled this week. Does the biopsy hurt? What can I expect and when will I know the results?
Is surgery the only treatment if it is cancer. the mass is affecting my vocal cord on the right causing it to be non functional.
Is surgery the only treatment if it is cancer. the mass is affecting my vocal cord on the right causing it to be non functional.
I wasn't on any meds prior to my tests, never really noticed my problems (hair loss, depression, fatigue) were thyroid related. My nodules were found because of hoarseness, sore throat for 6 weeks and a nagging cough with no cold symptoms, none of which would go away after 2 courses of 2 different antibiotics. The Nurse prac felt for swollen glands and found my lump, sent me for ultrasound, etc. Sorry I couldn't help with the meds thing, but I would ask your doc why and get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with his answer. Good luck and all the best to you! Hugs...Laura
No, a biopsy is only a peice of the pie. You can have no nodules and still have cancer, you can have nodules and no cancer, you can have both like me. 4 benign nodules, 4 cancerous tumors, non in the nodules. I, too, was having hoarseness, but my vocal chords were working fine. I am a singer and I would get hoarse after about 2-3 hours rehearsal, so we tried removing half my thyroid with three nodules, non had cancer, but I had microcarcinomas in the thyroid tissue, both were 1 and 2 mm, very small. Had the other side removed to be sure and they found a large 1.5 cm tumor there as well as another 2 mm micro. You don't really know for sure unless they get lucky and get cancer cells in the actual biopsy or take out the gland and cut it up. FNA biopsy was not really painful at all, sounds worse than it is.
Were you required to do a "nucular uptake & scan" prior to biopsy? Just trying to get some answers before i'm required to stop taking my medication for a month with a scan. Would just a biopsy alone give enough info? See my question from 6/23/09.
thanks
thanks
Hi there. I agree with Terry, needles are no fun, but it's a livable experience. I had exactly the same series, ultrasound showed the nodule(s), followed by a FNA , then the cat scan to check for swelling in the nodes because my FNA was "inconclusive". My FNA consisted of lying with my head tilted back in an ultrasound room with 1 dr and 2 nurses. One nurse assisted the dr while the other kept my thyroid on ct screen the whole time so the dr watched the needles go into my largest nodule. First, he applied a topical anesthetic, then a shot of something like novacaine to numb the skin, but said that they can't numb the gland itself, then the three draws of the needle and it was done. I probably took a couple of motrin that day, and got a bruise, but it really isn't that bad. When the results are inconclusive- to me , surgery was the only option. So here I am 1 week today post-op and feeling much better. I don't have results yet, so I am just beginning my journey as you are. All my best to you, and I hope this helps, now you know exactly what to expect, and I think we have all here been through so many experiences, there is a wealth of info but even more- a WEALTH of kind and CARING people who take time to help eachother. I am so glad we found it! Much love...Laura
When I had my FNA, it wasn't a scheduled procedure, just something the doctor did during my very first appointment with him. I didn't know what to expect, so I guess I
didn't have time to worry myself. It was a bit scary, having anything like a needle
coming at your neck is not so much fun. I don't remember it hurting any more than
a blood draw does. So, just take a deep breath, close your eyes like you do at the
dentist's, and you'll get through it. My results came in about a week later. I was in
surgery a week after that. I'm not the expert on whether surgery is the only option,
but it seems like all of the people on this forum who had cancer had surgery,
usually followed by RAI to kill off (or ablate) any remaining tissue.
I hope this helps, even if only a little. Good luck with your appointment, be sure
to post after you are done and let us know how you're doing! This is the BEST
place to come for advice, as there are people in all stages of treatment for
all thyroid related issues.
Take Care!
Terri
didn't have time to worry myself. It was a bit scary, having anything like a needle
coming at your neck is not so much fun. I don't remember it hurting any more than
a blood draw does. So, just take a deep breath, close your eyes like you do at the
dentist's, and you'll get through it. My results came in about a week later. I was in
surgery a week after that. I'm not the expert on whether surgery is the only option,
but it seems like all of the people on this forum who had cancer had surgery,
usually followed by RAI to kill off (or ablate) any remaining tissue.
I hope this helps, even if only a little. Good luck with your appointment, be sure
to post after you are done and let us know how you're doing! This is the BEST
place to come for advice, as there are people in all stages of treatment for
all thyroid related issues.
Take Care!
Terri
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