Follicular cells/neoplasm on thyroid biopsy, now what?
So your surgeon or doctor did an FNA biopsy of your thyroid gland and found follicular cells, now what to do?
*****PATIENTS WHO HAVE HAD A BIOPSY SHOWING FOLLICULAR CELLS OR FOLLICULAR NEOPLASM**** PLEASE READ THIS SECTION
As stated previously, the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign….probably over 90% benign. YES even nodules with follicular cells!!! Therefore, if you have a thyroid biopsy by another doctor or surgeon which shows follicular cells, this only means that the physician doing the FNA biopsy hit the thyroid gland. The normal thyroid is made up entirely of follicular cells, therefore ALL thyroid FNA biopsies should show some follicular cells assuming they biopsied the correct organ. PLEASE do NOT have surgery without genetic testing evaluation for these type of lesions/nodules as it can rule out cancers and an operation is NOT needed for diagnosis. If you are feeling pressured by your surgeon to have your thyroid removed for follicular lesion/ neoplasm to rule out a follicular cancer, it is VERY important to get a second opinion! We have spared many patients from thyroid surgery and potentially needing to take thyroid hormone for life. We can follow many patients conservatively for follicular lesions or neoplasms!
Remember to ask the doctor if the biopsy includes genetic evaluation if needed for your nodule before you go for consultation. It is also important to inquire if they use numbing medicine or lidocaine for the biopsy procedure. DO NOT let them tell you that “it is not needed”. In our opinion, these biopsies can be uncomfortable sometimes and we ALWAYS take the time to give local anesthesia or lidocaine to numb the skin before the biopsy to minimize neck pain and soreness.
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