Expert: Karen Brawner - 3/20/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question - Dear Karen, after my nodule biopsy there were found to be abnormal cells, and the follow up letter was to suggest I have the lump removed, does this mean it is cancerous, and have you any thoughtsor suggestions..many thanks..Babs Aven...
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Followup To Dear karen, is there any alternative way you know to reduce swelling in the neck..many thanks..babs Aven
Question -
Daer Karen, I have just been diagnosed with a goitre, a number of small cysts on my right side but there is a suspicious hard nodule in the left side for which I have to see a specialist..I am of course worried, do you know if these hard nodules tend to be more of a concern..Many thanks  Babs Aven..
Answer -
Dear Babs,   YES, solid masses/nodules are more suspecious than a simple cyst and this is why the doctor is sending you to see a specialist and I would assume that the specialist will do more tests if needed....  It is also possible that the specialist will want to either biopsy this mass or do surgery to take it and the left thyroid gland out....

You will simply have to wait till you see the specialist and then if you want to get back to me with what the specialist said and what he/she wants to do, and I will help you more...

thank you,   karen
Answer -
Dear Babs,   The swelling in the neck is caused from the goitre and most likely the cysts and hard nodule....  There is no way other than medication and/or surgery to reduce the swelling and you should actually wait til you see the specialist and talk to him about all of your questions....  Make a list and take it with you and then once you have seen the specialist, if you need more help, get back to me....

thank you,   karen

Answer
Dear Babs,   I feel that you should have the lump removed... However, they will also have to take the thyroid gland that it is growing on too....  They can't simply take the nodule....  This way you are sure if this is cancer or if it is benign....  Biopsies are NOT q00% guaranteed and infact are normally only 70-80% accurate...  Abnormal cells could mean cancer or it could be a benign, but only surgery at this point will tell for sure....

thank you,   karen