If you’re here because you’ve got an upcoming thyroid biopsy, stick around. I’m here to put your mind at ease from my own person experience.
Some things I’m happy to share all day long. Like the time I got a perm and got blasted by half of Baltimore (for reasons I won’t even go into). Or the time I had my first (and only) Brazilian wax. I’m not afraid to try it and talk about it because I think a lot of good can come from talking about things.
But when it comes to my family or my health, I feel intensely private. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with talking about those things. But when it comes to sharing those types of things online, I find that people get so saturated with personal tragedy that they simply send “thoughts and prayers” via a Facebook comment and move on. Trust me, I’m guilty of it too.
I’ve had three friends scattered across the country who have dealt with or are dealing with cancer. And I’m sorry to say that I didn’t reach out like a friend should because sometimes I just don’t know what to say (besides the “thoughts and prayers” comment that checks a box).
Luckily, I’m not dealing with cancer (or I’m 99.9% sure it isn’t cancer). I’m dealing with a lump in my neck that had me terribly worried and imagining my early demise back in January. And I’ve learned so much along the way that I thought I’d share it with you from a first hand perspective.
Table of Contents
Finding a Lump in my Throat
Back in January, I was suffering from the ailment of the moment. It had no name – simply a scratchy throat, achy feeling, and general malaise. My neck was stiff so I started massaging it while I was watching TV and then found myself feeling around my lymph nodes to see if anything was swollen. It was during this self-examination that I felt a very distinct lump in the front of my neck.
It’s been a long time since I studied human anatomy but I was a Biology major back in college and had a general idea of what should and shouldn’t be in my throat. I was pretty sure there weren’t any lymph nodes there and I was almost as sure that it was right around where my thyroid is located.
I got up, looked in the mirror, and was shocked when I saw a very visible lump in my neck. That’s when I started imagining the worst case scenario and my tearful goodbye. And then I thought that I might want to see a doctor before I make my final diagnosis.
Getting My Thyroid Checked Out
I got in quickly to see my general practitioner who checked my sore throat (the reason I gave for the appointment) and told me it was viral (isn’t it always?). And then I told her the real reason I was there was for a different part of my throat. I expected her to dismiss me but she admitted there was a lump in the vicinity of my thyroid. Off I went with an order for a thyroid ultrasound.
And then I did something stupid.
I was super busy and it didn’t seem that important to schedule the appointment and a few days later, I couldn’t feel or see the lump. Hmmm, must have been nothing, I thought to myself and didn’t worry too much about the ultrasound. Eventually, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to get it done “just in case.” I honestly figured they’d find nothing.
The report came back with results sounding like this (my radiology office has a patient portal with this information and a GIANT warning not to self-diagnose):
Left mid. 1.1 x 0.6 x 0.9 cm. 0.3 cc volume. Cystic with mural nodule. Hypoechoic. Smooth margins. Horizontal shape. Capsular blood flow. No calcifications.
Yeah, it didn’t mean much to me either. Basically, my doctor said I have a thyroid nodule that measures 1.1 cm and because it was over 1 cm, she was recommending I see an endocrinologist.
So I started digging. I re-read the report with the radiologist’s recommendation:
Category 4, indeterminate for malignancy (5-20%). Consideration should be given for fine-needle aspiration. No aspiration is performed, a short-term 6-12 month ultrasound might be considered.
Yup, I saw that ugly M word and decided to play Dr. Google. Here’s what I found out about the thyroid and the possibility of cancer:
- A thyroid nodule is a growth on the thyroid gland that is usually solid or fluid-filled
- Thyroid nodules are three times more common in women than in men
- 30% of 30-year-old women will have a thyroid nodule.
- One in 40 young men have a thyroid nodule.
- More than 95% of all thyroid nodules are benign.
- Most women will develop a thyroid nodule by the time they are 50 years old.
Basically, if you’re a person of a certain age, you probably have a nodule on your thyroid and don’t even know it. And if you have a nodule, chances are VERY high that it is non-cancerous. And even if it was cancerous, it usually does not affect your thyroid function at all and is very treatable.
Unfortunately for me, I had a referral with an endocrinologist who decided that the size and consistency should probably warrant a biopsy but he left that decision up to me. The conversation went something like this:
Doc: You might want to go ahead and have a biopsy or you can just wait and have another ultrasounds in 4 to 6 months.
Me: But what if it’s the worst case scenario and I wait 4 months to find out it is cancer?
Doc: It’s a very slow-growing cancer and is very treatable.
Me: So why wouldn’t I have the biopsy?
Doc: Well, some people have issues with getting needles in their neck.
Me: I can’t say I’m thrilled with the idea. What would you do if it was YOUR thyroid?
That last question is always a conversation killer. Doctors won’t ever make the decision for you. But his body language told me to go ahead and get it done if simply for peace of mind.
Braving a Thyroid Biopsy
A thyroid biopsy is an outpatient procedure that involves a fine needle aspiration of the nodule. In other words, someone’s gonna stick a needle in your neck and collect some cells. And if it sounds scary, it was. Or at least the anticipation of it was.
The endocrinologist set me up with an appointment at the local hospital where a radiologist would perform the procedure. It made sense because they need to perform an ultrasound again to see exactly where to stick the needle.
When I was called back for the prep work, the woman (nurse/assistant/technician) was so nice and sensed my anxiety right away. I told her I was worried about the pain and I was worried about the doctor’s bedside manner. I’ve had a few traumatic experiences with medical professionals so this was important to me. I especially worried because I don’t imagine radiologists get a lot of one on one time with patients.
Here’s how the thyroid biopsy actually went down:
- I calmed down and laid on the table while the tech did the initial ultrasound to locate the nodule.
- The doctor came in and discussed the entire procedure and (SURPRISE!) he was super friendly with a great sense of humor.
- They cleaned the area of my neck where they would be doing the procedure and injected me with lidocaine to numb the area.
- Once numb, the doctor used the ultrasound wand to find the nodule and inserted the needle twice to take two tissue samples.
- The samples were handed off to a pathology technician who was in the room with a microscope. She took a quick examination of the sample to make sure the doctor got cells and not just fluid.
- The doctor told me I got off easy with only two needles and that the samples looked to be cystic.
Everything was cleaned up and I thanked him profusely for his bedside manner. I don’t think medical professionals realize how important that is to the patient experience. I finished up and went on my way where I now wait for the results.
Why I’m Sharing My Experience
If you’re like me, you like to do your research before showing up for anything. And while I could find plenty of stats for the likelihood of thyroid cancer, I couldn’t find much about the actual thyroid biopsy experience except those forums. You know, the forums where people relay how incredibly horrible their experience was.
It was manageable. Scary, but manageable. And the radiologist confessed that this procedure wasn’t the best. Most people that have a thyroid ultrasound will find a nodule. And most people that have a nodule will have a thyroid biopsy. And most thyroid biopsies will come back with benign results. His advice was simply to avoid a thyroid ultrasound if you don’t really need one.
I’m not a doctor and I would never make a recommendation to ignore a troublesome condition. But if you do find yourself in my situation, you now, hopefully, know what to expect with a thyroid biopsy.
54 comments
As a two-time thyroid cancer survivor~ I’m glad you got this checked out!
Oh my goodness, Sara! The odds are so against that! But yes, I am glad I went. I suppose I’ll feel better when I get the final confirmation.
Wow! You are so brave. I totally would’ve wimped out. Great piece..
Sometimes you just have no choice, KWIM? It helps that the medical staff was up to my standards 😉
Thanks for the information. I’m having a thyroid biopsy tomorrow, and I’m pretty nervous. I have several nodules, but one is 3x the size of the others. I’ve had ova6 and Uterine cancer…. so my husband and I are both freaking a bit.
Thank you so much for this. I have multiple nodules, 2 larger ones on each the left and right side of my thyroid. I just received the call from my endocrinologist’s office that they will be scheduling a biopsy. I’m doing my best not to worry and was seeking more info about the FNA thyroid biopsy when I came across this comforting info. Thank you again and I hope your results are all good.
Thank you for sharing this. I also am fiercely private about medical stuff but find a lot of comfort in reading about other people’s experiences (yes, I get the irony there). I am glad it sounds like it turned out to be nothing and hope you will sleep much better once you get an official all clear.
What prompted me to write this is realizing that most people only post about medical experiences when it’s the worst case scenario. I read so many horror stories about the pain of this biopsy and I realize that there’s a lot of frightening one-off cases that people write about. Hopefully this will be informative (and maybe comforting?) in the right hands.
Yes most thyroid nodules are noncancerous. However, thyroid nodules are a clear indicator that the body is in an inflammatory state. Chronic inflammation causes thyroid nodules. They may be common in women in the US of a certain age, BUT by no means should this be considered nothing to worry about. This should be a clear indicator to dig deeper and realize what really causes thyroid nodules. Many endocrinologists are not in the business of helping you find the route cause of your nodules and healing the state in the body that caused the autoimmune reaction and created the nodule. Further, nodules can do other things like cause sleep apnea, and impede proper breathing.
-The Wife of a Male Thyroid Nodule, Hashimoto’s, Natural Treatments, Survivor.
Hi, Carrie. I’m wondering about how you signed your comment: “The Wife of a Male Thyroid Nodule, Hashimoto’s, Natural Treatments, Survivor.” I have thyroid nodules, and I’d love to know more, please.
Thank You soo Much for this ..I will be accompanying my mother for Her Biopsy Results Today ..It has been very scary..I was there when her Biopsy was preformed and the hospital staff did an excellent job..
Thankyou for sharing ur stories 🙂 .I’ve been diagnosed with thyroid nodules ,mine is 2.7 cm x 1.9 cm . My doctor give me euthyrox 150 mcg to balance the hormon . Did u eat any kind of medicine ?
Thanks for your question. I don’t take any medicine for my thyroid because all of my blood tests showed that my thyroid was functioning properly. That’s the biggest concern when it comes to these issues. Nodules are really common but when they affect the thyroid functionality, you definitely either need to have it removed or take medicine (or both!).
I just went for a thyroid ultra sound yesterday. Waiting on results. Thanks for sharing. Hope mine is okay but if need biopsy all for it. Best to get things done and stay on top of it. Painful or not. I try to go to my happy place in my mind.
I’m glad I found your story, it’s given me the courage to get the thyroid biopsy my doctor ordered. God bless you !
I know this is a late response. I’m having trouble with comment notifications. But I hope all went well for you!
Had to have a thyroid biopsy today. I couldn’t have the local anaesthetic because it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
Was worse than I expected and my neck feels really sore. But, worth it to hopefully rule out cancer.
I’m so sorry, Natalie! Yes, it was definitely uncomfortable even with the local so I can only imagine what you felt! My neck was sore and bruised for at least a week. They were able to look at everything during the biopsy so I had some quick answers. I hope everything works out for you. If for some reason you don’t get the news you were hoping for, just know that it’s extremely treatable!
I don’t like to share my health issues unless I want to. I didn’t want to share about the thyroid biopsy I had last week. Especially to my children. Why worry them when more then likely there is nothing to worry about. I have hypothyroidism. I felt a nodule last year and had an ultra sound. It was teeny. I had yearly check and my endocrinologist wanted to check on the nodule. It had doubled in size. That with some other side effects warranted the biopsy. I just hope there were enough cells for a good pathology diagnosis because there was blood in the nodule.
Well, the not telling anyone wouldn’t work because I ended up with a HUGE bruise. Seven needles sticks might do that. Luckily, my daughter asked what happened and I only answered with needing tests on my thyroid. She didn’t ask anymore and my parents and siblings live far away from Texas.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for this post! Im going on Monday to get a thyroid Biopsy. I started noticing in October that my voice was very hoarse for no reason and I would loose my voice frequently. Usually I’m the type of person that waits months and months before seeing a doctor cause I hate bad news but I went after a week and they ran several test and one of them was a thyroid blood test and ultrasound. The blood test came back normal which was shocking cause I feel tired all they time, but they had found 3 growths on my thyroid. 2 they could determine to be cysts but the one that is getting biopsied on Monday is 1.3 cm. I’m Nervous cause I don’t like pain but but also both my parents have had cancer so my chancing are higher. I’m wondering if after the biopsy did you have any swelling or lose of voice? I took the next day off of work, was that needed or were you feeling relatively good. I work at a Credit Union so I’m constantly talking to people. I just want to know what to expect…I know it will be different for everyone but it’s just nice to know.
Thanks for Sharing your story.
Hi Kim – I know this is a late response. I’m having trouble with comment notifications. But I hope all went well for you! I actually felt totally fine. Just my neck was a little sore. And wearing a scarf was the best thing!
I had a thyroid sonogram done last week. I have multinodular. (Too many to count) . big and small. I have to see my doctor tomorrow. He is probably going to recommend an biopsy or to have another sonogram in 4 months. Should I wait the 4 months or should I do the biopsy? Another question I heard that sometimes you can end up with no voice after the procedure. Is that true? Thank you
It didn’t affect my voice at all but I would guess that it has to do with where the nodules are located. As far as I know, nodules are common and it’s typically not the number of them but the size of them that matters. If you have some larger nodules, I would absolutely go ahead and have the biopsy done. I had the same choice – have it done or wait 6 months. And all I could think about was what IF it was something serious and I let it fester for 6 months. It is worth a little bit of discomfort for peace of mind. Best of luck to you!
My doctor just called me today to tell me that after reviewing my thyroid sonogram I need to get a biopsy, he gave me the prescription so I’m calling Zilkha Radiology tomorrow to make an appointment, my nodule is 3.5 x 2.1 x 2.7 cm, I’m really nervous but reading this article made me feel better, thank you for sharing your experience…
I’m so glad! Trust me when I say the anticipation is worse than the procedure. It’s still not a pleasant experience but hopefully you have a skilled and kind doctor like I did. And don’t be afraid to tell them how you’re feeling!
Thank you for this – I am going for my biopsy on Thurs and I had no idea what to expect. This puts me somewhat at ease that although uncomfortable, I can beat it!
I hope you have a good doctor like I did. Don’t be afraid to express your fears and hopefully they will help you stay calm. It’s uncomfortable but the peace of mind is worth it. Good luck!
I had an ultrasound today and have a nodule the same size as yours. “Right lobe measures: L 5.1 X D 1.3 X W 2.0 cm ; generally heterogeneous. Multiple nodules are seen which measure less than 0.5 cm. Largest: complex well defined predominantly cystic nodule seen in the med/inf pole which measures L 1.1 X D 0.6 X W 0.9 cm. No microcalcifications seen.” My doctor did not recommend a biopsy and told me I didn’t have to come back for a year. I am feeling conflicted now and am wondering if I should see another doctor.
That’s a tough call. I’m not a doctor but there are a lot of things that could have gone into that thinking. Maybe the fact that you have multiple nodules and not just one. Maybe because it seems heterogenous. Maybe it’s the “well defined predominantly cystic module” that leads him to believe it’s just a cyst.
If you’re concerned, I’d go back to your doctor (or do a phone consultation) and get a straight answer as to why he thinks this is something that DOESN’T require action right now. If you’re satisfied with his answer, you’ll feel better. If you’re not, you can certainly see another doctor. WE ARE OUR OWN BEST HEALTH ADVOCATE! Don’t be afraid to ask to demand answers!
Thank you 🙂
Im so grateful for this post. I went for an ultrasound today, the results came back within the hour. My nodule is 3cm and they recommended a biopsy because of the size, blood work results and changes in my voice. In my city, it can take up to 8-12 weeks to see a specialist, which is alarming. The words of my doctor, “the good news is that thyroid cancer is generally slow growing.” That was certainly not comforting. Im debating going to emerge tomorrow to see if thy’ll do a biopsy that day for me instead of stressing for 8 weeks until i get in.
I know it’s alarming but your doctor is absolutely right. Chances are pretty good that it is absolutely nothing. And if it IS something, like cancer, it’s not only very slow-growing but extremely treatable. I do understand how stressful it can be though. If you do have to wait, try not to imagine the worst case scenario!
Thank you! I go today for a biopsy on my thyroid nodule. I’ve waited one week after my ultrasound and I’m just feeling ready to get this over with! Your post was not only informative, but kind and gentle. Thank you!
Hi Fadra, did you get your results for your biopsy?
I know this is an old post, but thank you for sharing it. I just had a biopsy last week and the worst thing really was the lidocaine injection. I hope you got a good result!
Thanks for checking in, Deb. Glad the experience wasn’t too terrible. You survived! And yes, my results we fine!
Hi Guys I had a biopsy and the doctor got panicked while he was doing the procedure and ask the support worker or nurse to call another doctor. And then they’ve told me that the nodule bleed it self this kind of things are rare and they were confused. I almost fainted started shaking they told me it’s b/c am anxious. I came bk home I can’t move my Move my neck and I’ve got sore throat, difficult swallowing. Have anyone had this kind of experience? Please let me know thanks .
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I think I feel a nodule in the middle of my neck, and I’m extremely horrified by the thought of a biopsy. After reading about your experience, and with what the doctor said, I think I’m gonna monitor it for growth and only go for an ultrasound if I absolutely need to!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I have a biopsy over the next few days and have been worried about ugly neck scars. Im hoping mine is a needle like yours. Thank you once again for taking the time to write this and help others ease their nerves!
Hiya 🙂
Well I’ve just come back from my ENT appointment and he’s let me know that my 2cm nodule will be removed in the next month or so. I went to hospital about a UTI and they did a TSH test while I was there….
413
Normal level between .4 and 4
Ugh
Supposedly that is “not compatible with life”
Yet here I am
Kinda freaking out and hoping this removal sorts everything out!
I seem to be reading a lot of conflicting ideas on thyroid removal as well
Wish I could find someone’s experience with THAT part!!
Thank you for writing about your biopsy though!
Sam
THank you so much for your post! I will be going for thyroid biopsy in a couple of weeks, and wanted details. I already have S4 lung cancer, and scared of the possibility of having another one. Freaking out a bit.
Thank you for sharing! My mom went in for a biopsy today. I was nice to be able to google thyroid biopsy and just read what it was like for you. I really appreciate you writing this!
Thank you for your post, I found it bc my thyroid bx left me horribly bruised and I was a bit concerned. I appreciate you sharing your story and that your results came back just fine!
I am going in for a FNA Biopsy on Friday. I am a little nervous but hoping my experience goes as smoothly as yours. It is also good to know that I may need to be wearing turtlenecks for awhile if it bruises like that. 🙂 Luckily I live somewhere where it is cold this time of year.
Also, scarves are your friend… and you’ll look fashionable!
I’m headed out this afternoon for my thyroid biopsy- 20 years of hypothyroidism so I was happy to ready your blog. Thanks!
I’m glad I was searching this out, I will be having a biopsy done soon and wanted someone else’s thoughts on it. Thank you for sharing!
Oh my gosh! This thread has been so great- I found out today that I have to have an FNA and I was freaking out! A needle in the throat?! Come on! There has to be a better way in 2022!!! Anyhow, this thread has brought me comfort and even though I don’t know any of you, I feel a connection to you all and feel like I am not walking through this alone! Thank you all for being incredibly strong and amazing, and for sharing your stories so people like me don’t feel alone!
I had my FNA last week and I”m waiting for the results. I had no marking after but it was super painful. they din’t numb me at all. So if here’s an option for numbing, I’d urge you to go for it.
Thank you so much for your story. My FNA was May 17, 2022. Two weeks ago. They froze the area first which pinched and they did 5 needle draws. Was super uncomfortable for me but not really painful. The worst part for me was after the procedure the doctor said “oh did I cause her to have a hematoma” then he left the room. My neck was swollen for 3 days very badly. I got the bruise 2 days later. My nodule is 4.3cm and is a Tirad 5 so the worst. I’m hoping for good news. All I can say about the FNA is its uncomfortable but bearable. I wanted everyone to know that if you get the severe neck swelling to try not to panic and that it should go away on its own. I wish someone had told me before I left the hospital. I agree with doing the FNA-It’s worth knowing that everything is okay.
Thank you so much for this. I have multiple nodules, 2 larger ones on each the left and right side of my thyroid. I just received the call from my endocrinologist’s office that they will be scheduling a biopsy. I’m doing my best not to worry and was seeking more info about the FNA thyroid biopsy when I came across this comforting info. Thank you again and I hope your results are all good.
I have panic attacks easily and that’s what I’m mostly worried about – that I will have a meltdown right before the procedure and not be able to go through with it. The fear of that, and the fact that my endocrinologist has the WORST bedside manner, completely freaks me out.
Hi Kathy – I TOTALLY understand. I was extremely nervous (and by myself!). But my sister has a lot of medical anxiety. If you can take something in advance to calm your nerves, that might help. But I also recommend making sure that you tell everyone involved in the process that you are very nervous. The more they know about how you are feeling, the more they can help put you at ease. Usually nurses are better at bedside manner than doctors so hopefully you will have one that will make it a more comfortable process. And think of how much better you’ll feel when you have the results!
Why can’t they give you sedation for f a thyroid biopsy?