Going for a biopsy...what to expect

[pakhowe]

Hi all.

Here's the short story...an ultrasound of my thyroid found a lump. I need to have it biopsied. I have an appointment but what can I expect at that visit. Will the Dr do the biopsy in his office?? Will it be a consult first then another visit?? Will this hurt, is it invasive? Has anyone had this done before?

The long story...I have been going through lots of testing for the past 4-5 years to explain my symptoms. I have been tired, depressed, forgetful, twitchy, have headaches every day and sometimes I don't speak right. I either forget the words, forget what I was going to say or just slur the words. It has been frustrating to say the least. About 3 years ago I went for an MRI and the neurologist said it may be MS. I have 'spots' on my scan. A year later I went for a follow up MRI and the same spots were still there, same size, etc. Recently I went to my primary care office for a checkup and saw a different DR in the office. She read my MRI report and said the technition that wrote up the report stated that the 'spots' were insignificant in size and that the neurologist I had gone to did not specialize in MS soooooo to rule out everything she sent me for more labs. My bloodwork has been coming back normal every time. I mentioned that my husband suggested having my thyroid checked. My bloodwork on that once again came back normal but she also sent me for an ultrasound. This is how they found the lump. The Dr said she is hopeful because there is a lump on both sides but 1 just isn't big enough to biopsy but she still wanted me to see a specialist ASAP. They wouldn't even let me make the appt.

I'm kinda scared and want to know what to expect from anyone who's been there.

Thanks

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Hi..

Putting on my Mom hat here...one of DD's had thyroid cancer.. I am not saying that is what you have but I am talking about the biopsy here.. Most growths are usually benign so try not to worry..

I think they do a needle biopsy, which I hear is not that invasive....my DD did not have that as they made an error, and did not palpitate her thyroid as the lump was in her neck. They went and removed it.....and sent it to pathology and then discovered that was the secondary site, the first site was the thyroid. So the fact that it is on your thyroid usually means they can needle biopsy it..

Please let us know how you do.. and try not worry..

 

[pakhowe]

Thank you. I don't go for a couple of weeks. I plan on calling the DR office to ask what to expect also but it is nice to hear from others who have been through it or had family members go through it. I have been going through this for so long with symptoms and testing I am kinda relieved to maybe have an answer. But kinda scared also.

How is your DD?

 

[Mackey Mouse]

She is good.. it is over 10 years ago that she had her thyroid removed.. she takes thyroid medicine, but other than that.. good.

 

[pakhowe]

So glad to hear that.

 

[frdeb1999]

My DH just have his thyroid removed last year due to cancerous cells being present. They did'nt do the actual biopsy in the dr's office. They sent us to a specialist to have that done. Although I'm sure that some may do it right then and there. The problem with biopsies on thyroids is that they often come back inconclusive or with false results. So be aware of that. My husbands 1st round of scans after surgery came back all clear. And he has 2 brothers who are thyroid cancer surviors....one at 15 yr mark and the other at 9. Very slow growing, and very much treatable! Good luck with your tests! And please keep us posted. Also, if you look for the thread....there is one spefically for thyroid problems which was wonderful while we were going through everything!

 

[frdeb1999]

It's called the THYROID thread and it's on the 2nd page in this area.

 

[pakhowe]

It's called the THYROID thread and it's on the 2nd page in this area.

Thanks, I'll check it out