To have the operation or not

[bloomingbonkerz]

I went to the doctors in March last year with a lump I have had scan and biopsy which they have said there’s a 30%chance of cancer in the thyroid and I need half my thyroid removed and if found to be definitely cancer the whole thyroid removed my dilemma is 30%isn’t overly high and once you start messing with your thyroid it opens up all sorts of other problems
my partner is saying that the risk is still a risk but the hospital can’t be to concerned I’ve waited 11months for a date if you’ve had your thyroid removed or decided to sit and wait with yearly biopsy? I swing between yep let’s get it out and sorted to it might be an operation for nothing?? AIBU to sit and wait and have yearly biopsies

Would it help to think of the risk like this?

If you had 3 sweets and one would give you cancer but you didn't know which - would you eat one?

Yeah good take on the situation no probably not but 30% means 70% not 🫣

Then that's your answer isn't it?

I get it, I suspect you're scared of finding out it is cancer and want to put your head in the sand. But if it is - and as you say, it's 70% not, then finding out sooner is always better.

And it will be hanging over you constantly, if you don't know for sure.

Deep breath, grown up pants, you've got this.

30% is really high. I have hypothyroidism with medication you will me ok

Not so much the finding out it’s cancer or not more the complications and lifelong problems that come with messing around with a thyroid o do appreciate your replies :-)

Have it removed

I had half my thyroid taken out 2 years ago for stage 1 cancer. By the time I got to surgery, 7 weeks later, the cancerous nodule had doubled in size and was stage 4. If I’d waited longer it would have been my whole thyroid and harder treatment like radiation or chemo. I’m not on any medication and have scans and blood tests every 6 months. So far no need for medication but that will probably change during menopause in a few years.

managing surgical hypothyroidism is usually easier than managing a missed thyroid cancer. If you're seriously thinking about not having the surgery you need to have a proper conversation with them about how they can monitor it/what you need to look out for/whether it could still cause problems even if it's benign.

You’ve already commented on my other post so know the update on mine in that I’ve had half out now having the rest removed as the lump was indeed cancer. This is my choice, I could leave the rest and have yearly scans and blood tests etc. for me I would rather have it all out now when I’m in the mindset and know what to expected etc. my dr agreed this is the right approach for me. Interestingly my thyroid function is better now than it was pre partial removal and I don’t need any medication. Obvs I will when it’s all gone. However speaking to a pharmacist about the post op meds he explained that when you have no thyroid it’s easier to get the levels right as you’re starting with nothing. People I know who have partial removal have some function which can fluctuate, which can make it tricky to get the dose right. Ultimately just go with your gut as to what is right for you. No one can answer but you. Good luck with whatever you decide. Feel free to ask anymore questions as in a very similar situation.

Have the op. You’d be taking a ridiculous gamble otherwise.

Doctor here. No question, definitely go for the op. Thyroid issues generally fairly easy to manage, don't take the risk.

I think I’d rather have one operation than two, so if they’d take it all out first time I’d do that. I think thyroid meds are pretty reliable aren’t they? My friend had her thyroid removed when she was about 40, and hasn’t mentioned it since so (30yrs or so) so, presumably it’s not caused her any issues. But admittedly I don’t know much about it!

This is good to hear. I’m in a similar position in that I had partial removal due to a cyst that was aspirated for many years and was fine and last year was abnormal. Turns out the lump was cancer and so I’m having the rest removed as a precaution.

You either choose to live or die simple as that! If you have the lump removed or even the whole thyroid then you just have meds to replace what your thyroid does. If you leave it and it is cancerous then it will
spread all through your body and you are stuffed

I am on thyroid meds and can confirm that the choice of having it removed is far far simpler to manage than the yo yo ing of the levels and having to change meds and all the palaver that goes with it. Once it’s out then it’s a straightforward daily dose and you go on with life with just the regular blood tests every 6 weeks

I had a cyst a decade ago and the aspiration biopsy results were inconclusive. I went private. The consultant was very experienced and calmly suggested I ignore the results rather than have the surgery as removing part of the thyroid is messy. He did say I was to go back at the slightest problem or if the cyst refilled. But he was certain he wouldn’t be seeing me again.
it was such a subjective call but the consultant was right and I didn’t have to go back.

could you take a second opinion privately?

Yes my point exactly I know people think I’m being silly I’ve had a few surgeries in the past so that’s not what’s bothering me it’s the whole medication that might be unnecessary to start with
no unfortunately not in a situation to go private unfortunately

Thank you I know I probably sound silly not just going yep il have it my anemia levels and b12 etc are all so low that’s another of my concerns going into an operation not even 50%fit

It might not be too expensive, If memory serves me right - should be £200-£300 for a consultation with your existing reports. Worth doing if it’s such a critical decision. Fingers crossed for you.

I was in a similar situation 5 years ago. I decided to go for the surgery as didn’t want to take the risk. I had half my thyroid out and it was straightforward- was benign in the end. I’ve had no problems since and no need for medication. the recovery was very easy with little pain. I only have a small scar now that isn’t noticeable.
During the same time frame, a colleague told me of her friend who was told to monitor the goitre. Sadly hers turned out to be cancer and very sadly, she died from it.

To add my twopenny worth - I faced a similar dilemma 20 years ago when the biopsies were inconclusive. I didn’t want to take any risks so had full thyroidectomy, and have taken thyroxine ever since with zero issues at all.