| Do I really need surgery for thyroid nodules?
Hi, this is my first time to post here....
I have nodules on both thyroids. When I was 6 months pregnant, a lump was sticking out of my throat which lead me to see an ENT. After I had my son, the ENT did an ultrasound which proved the nodules he suspected and then we followed up with a fine needle biopsy. The large nodule on the left side is benign thank goodness. The left side nodule measured 3.5cmx1.9cmx3.0. He recommended I have surgery as he said anything that size is considered large and they remove them. I wanted to wait and do another ultrasound in 6 months. I did, and it then measured 4.0cmx1.8cmx3.2cm. My ENT said that while it looks like it grew slightly, that sometimes the differences could be because of the tech. I also had a second opinion and he said he thought I could have it removed. I was about to go ahead and schedule the surgery but checked out some of the postings on this board and read that many of the readers are waiting and watching when there aren't any other issues. My blood levels are all normal. I have no problems eating, chewing, swallowing, or anything else and it doesn't hurt at all. The only real issue is that I don't like the way it looks. Others don't even notice it until I point it out (but they do see it once I show them). My ENT said it won't get smaller and it won't go away - he said it would only stay the same or get larger. At this point, I'm unsure why I need to have it out since it's not bothering me at all. He says I need to because the larger it is, the harder it is to cut out. I have two small children (my son is only 10 months old) so could I just wait and watch it like others? I've met my deductible this year and my mom and dad are around to help care for my kids (yes, my hubby can too). I need help making a decision. It's so hard when they leave the decision to have my throat cut open to ME - I'm confused.
| 
