The Queen of Optimism

So you’ve got a goiter and are having a biopsy!

Not exactly fitting for a Hallmark card but it my case, it’s a fact.  I researched the web for information about thyroid biopsies and couldn’t find much at all.  So, I decided to add my experience so that someone else may find some helpful search results.

What is a thyroid biopsy?

It is a diagnostic test of a growth on the thyroid gland.  I am getting a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy that will be ultrasound-guided.  It is my understanding that the ultrasound technology will be used to locate the growth and a needle will be inserted to extract tissue from the growth.

Why get a thyroid biopsy?

In this case, my Endocrinologist and PCP have asked me to get one.  The growth on my thyroid is a thyroid adenoma that was found through sonographic evaluation otherwise known as an ultrasound.  A thyroid adenoma may also be referred to as a nodule or a goiter or a tumor.  My goiter is 1.9 x 0.6 x .9 cm.  My endo says this is a decent size.  While you can’t really see the goiter itself, you can see swelling on my neck in the general region.  It is anticipated that this tumor is benign based on the ultrasound characteristics.  However, it must be checked and monitored.  My endo 97% sure it is not cancerous.

Where do you go for a thyroid biopsy?

My Endo’s office has a specialist who does biopsies in the office and they also send patients to a nearby hospital.  Mine will be done at the hospital.  I have no idea why they selected this route for me.

What’s involved in getting an appointment for a thyroid biopsy?

I needed a referral form my Endocrinologist and I had to get the images from my original thyroid ultrasound to the hospital before they would schedule a time and date for my biopsy.

How do you prepare for a thyroid biopsy?

I am following the instructions I received from my Hospital.  They include:

• No Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for 4 days before the procedure.
• Bring a list of my current medications with me to the hospital.
• Arrive 45 minute early, expect the procedure to last 30-45 minutes with 30 minutes of recovery.
• I can drive myself home per the person who scheduled my appointment but my note from the hospital says it is recommended that a companion drive me home.

I will get a local anesthetic and am able to eat normally the day of the procedure.  I was told that after the procedure, I will not be able to lift anything heavier than a phone book for at least the rest of the day.

I’ll let you know how it goes in part 2.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | fine needle aspiration biopsy, goiter, hypothyroidism, nodule, thyroid adenoma