I would never have known if I hadn't had a routine physical. I had just switched to a new GP and while examining me she felt something in my neck. She had a sonogram done and referred me to an endocrinologist. A biopsy was done but it was inconclusive
I saw another endocrinologist at UCLA and a second biopsy was also inconclusive. A new test was performed which indicated a 50-50 chance of cancer in a nodule on the left side. I was examined by the surgeon Dr. Livhits. Dr. Livhits also noted an extremely small nodule on the right side. She said we could proceed with the surgery on the left and monitor the right or do both sides. I thought about it and decided to do both.
I have a job, an active 12 year old daughter and I volunteer so I did not want to pause for two surgeries if we could get it all done at once. That turned out to be the correct decision as it turned out that the right side was cancerous.The surgery was 3 weeks ago. I had a sore throat afterwards so I would urge any one to be prepared with soft foods such as soups and ice cream.
Everyone at UCLA was fantastic. Dr. Livhits and the anaestheologist Dr. Disney were great. I never felt anything in my throat and would never have known except for the exam so I urge everyone to have a physical.

Tags: biopsy, cancer, cancerous, Dr. Masha Livhits, Endocrine, Endocrine Surgery, endocrinologist, Endocrinology, patient stories, routine physical, small nodule, surgery, Surgery