About Karen Brawner Expertise I will answer any questions you have regarding the thyroid whether it be cancer, cysts (types), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, blood tests for thyroid problems, surgery, fine needle biopsies etc...
Experience My complex cysts on my right thyroid gland and the isthmus were found my accident when my doctor thought I was having a TIA. The ultrasound found a complex cysts the size of a golf ball (which turned out to be the size of a tennis ball when it was surgically remove). Doctors were totally surprised because for 5 years, including the day I went to surgery, all of my thyroid blood work was "within the normal range". So much for blood work being conclusive..
Question One year ago I was diagnosed with a 4cm minimally invasive Hurthle cell thyroid tumor left side. In March 2003 I had the left side of my thyroid removed and in April 2004 I had my entire thyroid removed. Since then I have had the radioactive iodine trmt in June 2003 in August a PET scan where it revealed a right side uptake a visit to the Mayo clinc and they performed a ultrasound and found no evidence of recurrence In January I had a ultrasound again becuase my endocrinologist has difficulty feeling my neck becuase of the scar tissue and now next week I will have another CT scan with contrast to determine recurrance my TSH and T4 levels are good and I am currently taking Synthroid 15 mcg. Now I have read and know this a rare cancer and she says my prognosis is good since it was only minimally invasie but I am wondering when will the scans to check if the cancer may stop or what is the recurrence rate is for my type of cancer I am a 39 year old female. I am sure she is just being cautious.
Answer Dear Vicky, Your doctor is NOT just being cautious... She is doing exactly what is needed to be done.... You should have a ct-scan at LEAST once a year for at least 5 years... Some doctors prefer to do ct-scans etc, every 6 months for 2 years and then once a year form 3 years... If the cancer has not returned in 5 years, the chances are it will not... However, most doctors do an annual scan for the rest of your life.....
Here is one of the best web sites regarding thyroid cancer including Hurthle Cell Carcinoma
