- Nov 21, 2001
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My wife got a message from her endocrinologist. "great news" was the subject.
She has some lumps on her thyroid that have been troubling. They have done needle biopsies, ultrasounds, and it was found with a CAT scan years ago.
The latest needle biopsy came back as Bethesda III category. This one is a pain because its overall malignancy rate. 77% of Bethesda III patients choose surgery, and 26% of those are malignant.
There is a molecular DNA test that can be done with the sample. Unfortunately, the insurance does not cover it.
I went in with her to discuss the biopsy and help her decide. Basically I said, " would you spend that kind of money to fix the dog's eye?" She said yes and I said the decision matrix is complete. Let's pay for the DNA test and roll the dice.
Today that roll came back a winner. The tissue DNA was as negative as they can define, between 91% and 98% benign.
Her overall rate is 97% benign.
Now she can step back, and keep getting ultrasound exams every year or so to keep an eye on it. She's had enough surgeries in her life.
She has some lumps on her thyroid that have been troubling. They have done needle biopsies, ultrasounds, and it was found with a CAT scan years ago.
The latest needle biopsy came back as Bethesda III category. This one is a pain because its overall malignancy rate. 77% of Bethesda III patients choose surgery, and 26% of those are malignant.
There is a molecular DNA test that can be done with the sample. Unfortunately, the insurance does not cover it.
I went in with her to discuss the biopsy and help her decide. Basically I said, " would you spend that kind of money to fix the dog's eye?" She said yes and I said the decision matrix is complete. Let's pay for the DNA test and roll the dice.
Today that roll came back a winner. The tissue DNA was as negative as they can define, between 91% and 98% benign.
Her overall rate is 97% benign.
Now she can step back, and keep getting ultrasound exams every year or so to keep an eye on it. She's had enough surgeries in her life.
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