Partial thyroidectomy

Hawaiigirl
Hawaiigirl Member Posts: 5
in Thyroid Cancer #1

 I was just recently diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. The cancer is still small,  and located only in my right side. 

 Originally my doctor informed me the best thing to do is to take out the whole thyroid. I met with my endocrinologist and she said I actually have the option of keeping the left side and only removing the right. My question is has anyone here had a partial thyroidectomy and develop cancer and the remaining side? How often  does papillary thyroid cancer spread to other parts of the body? I'm really afraid of keeping the remaining half and regretting it after the cancer spread. I'm also worried about living on a medication for the rest of my life and potentially  not feeling well. 

 

 Any insight on this would really help me out. Right now I'm scheduled for a partial thyroidectomy on September 1.   I am relatively young only 34. 

Comments

  • Rebelgurl
    Rebelgurl Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Why don't they just wait and watch

    Why don't they just wait and watch if you have a small amount of cancer? The doctors are so quick to remove the thyroid when it can be just observed. I only took half of my thyroid. 

  • NBenton
    NBenton Member Posts: 2
    #3
    thyroid cancer

    I had several months leading up to my partial thyroidectomy to ponder, gather information and input to that exact question. With input from two surgeons, my endocrinologist and my GP we opted for a partial thyroidectomy (the side with ‘hot’ nodules). The theory was that the remaining side would in time produce the thyroid hormones needed without any medication. The first surgery pathology report discovered papillary thyroid carcinoma. Within two weeks I had a second surgery to remove the entire thyroid because I had three other nodules on the remain side of my thyroid. 

  • timetosmile
    timetosmile Member Posts: 1
    #4
    I was very recently diagnosed

    I was very recently diagnosed with papillary carcinoma as well. I had a partial thyroidectomy after an inconclusive FNA and the pathology from that surgery came back as PC so I'm removing the other half next month. No one can tell you what to do, but I personally would not be comfortable leaving one half in knowing that the other side had cancer. I'm also young (26) so I understand your fear of not feeling well after a TT. I worry as well but I would rather take a pill for the rest of my life than risk a cancer recurrence. Best of luck to you!

  • mns341
    mns341 Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Hi there.  I had surgery in

    Hi there.  I had surgery in November for thyroid cancer in my left lobe.  I was very hesitant to have the whole thyroid removed due to the same as you, what does the medication do to me and now I'm going to take the medication for the rest of my life.  I ended up having a lobectomy and after sugery when my blood was tested I ended up on medication even though I still had half my thyroid that was working.  I am now taking 75mcg of levothyroxide with half a thyroid.  The first few weeks I took the medication I did have a headache from the medication but after that there were no other side affects.  I may in the future have to have the other side removed.  It really comes down to a personal choice and lots of talking with your doctor about all the pros and cons, how you can be monitored with half of a thyroid, and your personal comfort.  Take care.

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