Large thyroid cyst doc won't drain.....

Hello
I have two large thyroid cysts. The nurse practitioner said that you don't drain them. You leave them unless cancer (getting tested) or they keep growing and cause problems swallowing and then you remove it.

Why in the world are we waiting for this to become a problem amd cause potential harm? I'm not looking forward to this thing growing and causing me to choke!!!!
Why can't we drain it?
Advise appreciated.

Post Edited (Later34) : 1/19/2015 4:06:47 PM (GMT-7)

I have a small thyroid cyst that isn't causing me too much issue but I am a very "cysty" person. Most times docs don't like to drain cysts because the probability of them filling back is great. But it depends on where they are located. For instance, I had a large ovarian cyst that had been drained but never came back, but I have had finger joint cysts that repeatedly come back after draining only to have them surgically removed.

If they are causing you issues at this point in time, you need to either talk to the doctor directly or get a second opinion. But if it isn't bothering you too badly, sometimes cysts can shrink on their own.

I know how scary it can be as well as frustrating it is to have these things. I've been dealing with cysts for over 30 years. It does seem strange they want to do the wait and see approach but like I said, many cysts can resolve themselves over time so why go thru an invasive procedures unless it's absolutely necessary? As long as you are not having issues right now and if they are sure it's just a cyst, then try to not to worry about it. If the cyst starts to cause you issues, such as difficulty swallowing or vocal changes, then by all means pursue it further.