FAQs 2 - Dr. Nadelman

Q: Are papillary and follicular thyroid cancers treatable?

Both are often highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed and managed appropriately. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, extent of disease, individual patient factors, and other clinical findings.

Q: Does a follicular thyroid lesion mean I have cancer?

No. A follicular pattern on an FNA biopsy does not automatically mean follicular carcinoma. Benign follicular adenomas can have similar cytologic appearances, which is why additional evaluation may be required before a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Q: Can FNA distinguish follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma?

No. FNA can identify a follicular pattern or follicular neoplasm, but distinguishing a benign follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma requires evaluation for capsular or vascular invasion. That requires examination of the surgically excised nodule and its capsule.

Q: Can Fine Needle Aspiration diagnose papillary thyroid cancer?

Fine Needle Aspiration can often identify papillary thyroid carcinoma because the cancer has characteristic cellular and nuclear features that an experienced cytopathologist can recognize. Ultrasound guided sampling and adequate cellular material are important for an accurate evaluation.

Q: Is papillary thyroid cancer more common than follicular thyroid cancer?

Yes. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid carcinoma is less common, although both originate from thyroid follicular cells and are considered differentiated thyroid cancers.

Q: Does a thyroid biopsy always mean I have cancer?

No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. A biopsy is performed to determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant so that your physician can recommend the most appropriate next step. In many cases, the biopsy provides reassurance that no further treatment is necessary.

Q: How quickly will I receive my thyroid biopsy results?

At Dr. Nadelman's practice, preliminary biopsy results are typically available within 24 hours. Receiving answers quickly helps reduce the stress and uncertainty that often comes with waiting for diagnostic results.

Q: Why is Dr. Nadelman's approach different?

Dr. Nadelman is one of the few physicians who serves as both the Fine Needle Aspiration specialist and the board-certified cytopathologist interpreting the biopsy. She also performs Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE), allowing her to confirm that an adequate sample has been collected before the patient leaves the office. This integrated approach helps improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce repeat biopsies.

Q: Can an ultrasound diagnose thyroid cancer on its own?

No. Ultrasound is an excellent tool for evaluating the size, shape, and characteristics of a thyroid nodule, but it cannot confirm whether cancer is present. A tissue sample obtained through Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Q: What is the most accurate test for thyroid cancer?

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy is widely considered the most accurate and clinically preferred first-line test for evaluating thyroid nodules. While ultrasound helps identify suspicious nodules, only a biopsy allows a cytopathologist to examine the cells and determine whether they are benign or malignant.

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links