Can thyroid regenerate?

ceanna
ceanna Member Posts: 11
in Thyroid Cancer #1
I got test results today for recent ultrasound of thyroid area and it shows I have a fairly normal sized thyroid. How can this be? I had my thyroid removed in July 2010 and RAI treatment in August followed by scan after it was determined I had papillary and follicular cancer (different kind on each side). An ultrasound in April 2011 showed a node they thought might be a cyst so a followup ultrasound was ordered for last month, September--this showed the node again but now with a full thyroid. Is this possible or a lab mistake? I meet with my endo soon but don't want to wait for an answer.

Comments

  • amorriso
    amorriso Member Posts: 185
    #2
    Interesting
    I'm not a doctor - but I've never heard of any organ or body part regenerating - other than part of a liver.

    How soon do you meet with your endo? Is there any other doctor you can meet with?

    Very interested to hear their answers. I do hope all goes well
  • alapah
    alapah Member Posts: 287
    #3
    i have read at least one
    i have read at least one post on a thyroid cancer board by someone that experienced a similar situation. In that case, the person assumed to surgeon had not done his job but I never read a final entry about it. I do wonder if some regrowth is possible from residual tissue, though what you are describing would seem extraordinary (not that a I have any sort of medical expertise). Did you receive RAI after your thyroidectomy? Can you call your endo?
  • NicoleDawn
    NicoleDawn Member Posts: 5
    #4
    wow!
    That is definately crazy! I wouldn't want to wait for an answer, either. I have never heard of such things. I have a over the phone appt with my ent tomorrow, I'm going to ask him about it and I'll post what I hear! -Nicole
  • sunnyaz
    sunnyaz Member Posts: 582
    #5
    This would be a freaking miracle!
    Especially after RAI. I have never heard of this. Wondering if they mixed up your US with someone else. That would be a major medical screw up. Please keep us posted. Have a feeling they will redo the US at your follow up.
    Julie-SunnyAZ
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 11
    #6
    Called Endo
    Called Endo's office today and they are checking with the hospital who did the ultrasound and radiologist who read it. Unfortunately, I won't know what happened until Endo returns from vacation late next week. Thanks for all your interest! Yes, I had RAI which should have killed off all the rest of the thyroid, but a node (cyst?) is in that area, and has now shown up now on two ultrasounds. I would like them to biopsy so I know what it is--since I had two types of cancer when my thyroid was removed over a year ago.
  • sunnyaz
    sunnyaz Member Posts: 582
    #7
    ceanna said:

    Called Endo
    Called Endo's office today and they are checking with the hospital who did the ultrasound and radiologist who read it. Unfortunately, I won't know what happened until Endo returns from vacation late next week. Thanks for all your interest! Yes, I had RAI which should have killed off all the rest of the thyroid, but a node (cyst?) is in that area, and has now shown up now on two ultrasounds. I would like them to biopsy so I know what it is--since I had two types of cancer when my thyroid was removed over a year ago.

    RAI and Nodes
    Cancerous nodes are really not respondent to RAI. Sounds like a biopsy is a good idea. At least you will know for sure. I have three nodes that popped up in a very short period of time. They turned out to be benign. The oncologist said that they were just "reactive" to my last RAI treatment. Yours could have been there since your surgery but because this is a slow growing cancer, didn't show up until now. Think positive and don't worry until you hear from the Endo.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 11
    #8
    Update
    After waiting for endo to return from vacation and having him get corrected reading from hospital, I finally heard that, indeed, they provided an inaccurate report. The second "corrected" report accurately shows my thyroid is gone, but still shows a small "dense" area, about 8mm, in the thyroid area. My endo doesn't think there is anything to be concerned with, but I've also had a chronically swollen lymph node in my armpit and I want to get to the bottom of both of these areas and see if there is any connection to my two types of thyroid cancer--papillary and follicular. Has anyone else had an ultrasound with a "dense" area? If so, what did followup show? Not so sure I trust any readings at this point!!!

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