What should I do?

[dania73]

I was recently diagnosed with a nodular goiter for which I had FNA. It's size is 1.5cm x 1.1cm and described as a "hypoechoic nodule with cystic degeneration".
The results of the FNA were not 100% clear - the pathologist found the following "large amounts of colloid. Small numbers of follicular cells with small acini, some possible fine chromatin and grooves. Not diagnostic of papillary cytology and no definite malignant cells seen. Suggestive of adenomatous nodule".
My doctor has recomended I go for a thyroidectomy (this coould be partial or full - I personally don't like the prospect of 2 surgeries, esp since going in a second time to remove the rest would be more complicated).
The functioning of my thyroid is 100% normal - the hormone levels are within the correct ranges.
I am upset and confused. Since there are no definite malignant cells, it seems like this procedure is just a safety precaution, and not a necessity. I'd really like to be able to keep my thyroid if it's at all possible. I've read up on people's experiences on life after a thyroidectomy and it's not looking good. Even with the medication (which keeps getting adjusted), most of them are complaining of significant weight gain, constant fatigue, depression, etc. I'm already about 10kg overweight (which gets me down) and couldn't cope with anymore than that. And fatigue and depression are things that nobody wants.
I really don't know what to do. Should I bite the bullet and have the surgery, or is it worth waiting and monitoring the goiter every 6 months - i.e. checking that size and doing another FNA? Please help.


This discussion is related to Cytomel after total thyroidectomy?.

[rellyrooly]

I am very anxious to hear people's opinions on this as well as I had my FNA done last week and am still awaiting my results.  My endo said he thinks either way I need full thyroid removal and is pretty sure I am malignant.  I am also very worried about all the same things you are.  My situation is almost identical to yours ie. my thyroid functions normally and all blood work is normal.  I dread gaining any more weight than I recently have and and am already tired and depressed...CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE!!!!  

[srinu007]

I also have the same situation as u.. I am waiting for the next FNA. My nodule is 2.9cm. If nexy FNA results also give me the inconclusive result then I will incline to partial thyredectomy.

If u have only one nodule then u can go for partial throdectmy rather taking out the total gland. If the remaining rest of the gland works well u may not need medication. Thats what I am hoping for me.