Suspected cancer but too small for biopsy ?

Hi badger!

I was 25 when I was diagnosed but I presented with a large lump which was unfortunately misdiagnosed for over a year as a cyst! Thyroids are super slow to grow cells or for cells to die apparently so thyroid cancer isn’t particularly ‘aggressive’ like some others. I often felt like because I was young and healthy they didn’t suspect anything to be cancerous. It’s your health so take control and get a second opinion or pay to go private just for a consultancy to get seen soon?

lydia x

Hi badger!

I was 25 when I was diagnosed but I presented with a large lump which was unfortunately misdiagnosed for over a year as a cyst! Thyroids are super slow to grow cells or for cells to die apparently so thyroid cancer isn’t particularly ‘aggressive’ like some others. I often felt like because I was young and healthy they didn’t suspect anything to be cancerous. It’s your health so take control and get a second opinion or pay to go private just for a consultancy to get seen soon?

lydia x

Hey there

Sorry for the late reply, October was mental for me! 

First off, congratulations on your marriage! I hope the day was everything you hoped it would be! 

Regarding a second opinion, I wouldn't waste your time or money tbh. From what you've said, there's nothing there that's incorrect, or suspect, or that I've seen or heard of being done differently in another hospital. 

Most thyroid cancers are super slow growing, and are like the sloths of the cancer world. So waiting 6 months for a repeat ultrasound on it isn't going to change anything by way of treatment etc.

Antibodies aren't indicative of thyroid cancer. Instead, those are actually used to diagnose autoimmune disorders. So if you otherwise feel well, just ignore the antibodies at this time.

I personally would wait the 6 months, especially as it's classed as micro at the moment, and then see what the scan showed and take it from there. The usual options for suspicious nodules are the watch and wait - which is what's been recommended for you - or a diagnostic hemi thyroidectomy. This is where they'd remove the half with the suspicious fleck in it, then send it off for testing. However with it being quite so small, they probably see that option as being overkill just now.

I hope you're doing OK, and please do shout if you've any questions at all! 

Lass

Xx