Hi, i had a big bump or nodule removed from my right side of the neck which turn out to be cancer, now they want to removed the rest of the thyroid(the left side and the isthmus) and also cut my sternum because it has grown downward, is this the right move for the doctors? im scared i just want some advice?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Cancer is a difficult condition to treat and treatment depends on the progress of disease. It is possible that you had a cancer involving right lobe of thyroid and there was also retrosternal extension. As the cancer was detected in the nodule from right lobe, you doctor was right in taking out the entire thyroid and the part of thyroid gland projecting in to the sternum. Retro sternum thyroid is the presence of thyroid tissue behind the sternum and this is seen in few people. Finding of this requires it to be removed when there is a cancer. There are aggressive cancers that require chemotherapy and radiation after surgery. Your doctor will discuss this with you if it is indicated. After thyroid surgery you might also have to follow up with your doctor regularly to know if there is any more cancer activity in the thyroid region or anywhere else that needs attention and treatment. Please do not worry.