My niece had Thyroid cancer 15 years ago. She was pregnant at the time. They removed her thyroid and had the radio isotope treatment. A year ago she was dx with a 1 cm nodule on her R carotid. They told her it was probably from the collapsed thyroid leaves cookie crumbs and nodules may form around them. Today she was to have a biopsy nut had an ultrasound instead because it is on her carotid. It is now over 3 cm. What type of specialist should she be seeing? She has been told there is nothing that can be done. Is this true?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. With a history of thyroid cancer 15 years ago, possibility of cancer recurrence must be evaluated. It is important to do detailed investigation for the nodule on the neck. As ultrasound is already done, the next step will be to do a CT scan contrast of the neck. An MRI scan neck can be done if available. This will tell the exact location, size and relation to the carotid. A biopsy can be planned based on the CT scan. She should consult a head and neck cancer surgeon right now. They are experts and will be able to tell if the nodule is respectable or not. With proper technique and guidance, an ultrasound guided FNAC and biopsy can be attempted, and a confirmatory diagnosis is to be made. After making a pathological diagnosis, treatment can be started even if the tumor is not operable. Chemotherapy and radiation will always help if surgery is difficult. Please do not worry.