Treatment. options for thyroid nodules.. should i have surgery

Many : Many factors effect whether surgery is appropriate. The size of the nodule, thyroid blood tests, biopsy findings from the nodule, and findings on thyroid ultrasound. These all need to be considered to make a sensible decision on how best to proceed. And your anxiety about cancer and family history of cancer also must be factored in during your discussion with your endocrinologist. I suggest a visit with an endocrinologist before any surgery is done. Most (90%) of thyroid nodules are not cancerous. Good luck.

Surgery : Surgery is not indicated for even thyroid nodule but may become an option depending on size, ultrasound characteristics, age/cytology report per fine needle aspiration. Being a pediatric endocrinologist, i tend to be aggressive in my approach towards thyroid nodules in teenagers/children as the chance of malignancy is much higher (~20-40% in children versus 5-8% in adults). Having said that, need not to worry about the surgical aspect of your thyroid nodule, instead talk with your physician about the possible causes and if a biopsy is warranted. If you have history of radiation exposure, a more cautious approach many be needed. Cayce t. Jehaimi, M.D., faap pediatric endocrinology & diabetes the children's hospital of southwest florida fort myers, fl usa.