Thyroid nodules and biopsy

By Anonymous August 2, 2012 - 10:08pm

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I've had thyroid nodules for about two years now. The ultrasound in 2010 and 2011 showed three hypoechoic 5mm nodules with minimal vascularity and no calcifications. The ultrasound in April 2012 showed three 5mm hypoechoic nodules with "ill-defined borders" and no visible calcifications. The report also said: "suspect calcifications due to increace in echogenisity". My endocrinologist said in May that "ill-defined borders" is suspicious for cancer. The ultrasound was repeated last Friday (July 27). The radiology department called Monday to schedule biopsy and the doctor's nurse called on Wednesday and said to try and get it done before the appointment on 8/14. The nurse said that all of the nodules are still under 1cm, but due to suspicious features from ultrasound the radiologist wants to try to biopsy it. Is it worth trying when the nodules are so small? I do not have family history of thyroid cancer in my family. My grandfather (father's father) died of intestinal cancer. My father died of brain cancer and my mother died of uterine sarcoma. My aunt (father's sister) had thyroid nodules removed which were benign.

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Anonymous

Hi Anon,

This is important to discuss with your doctor first and he will refer the right procedure for the radiologist to perform. Whether it's a biopsy or just an ultrasound.

Best,

Daisy

August 7, 2012 - 6:19am

Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Daisy,
Thank you very much for your reply. The ultrasound was done 1.5 weeks ago. My doctor sent the referral for the FNA to the radiologist. I'm seeing my doctor next week.
Thanks again,
Best regards,
SG

August 7, 2012 - 12:51pm

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Anonymous

Hello Daisy,
Thank you very much for the links. My only question is-should I allow the radiologist to try and biopsy nodule which is less than 1cm? How accurate is it going to be? Are the risks much higher that using the ultrasound they will miss the nodule and accidentally hit one of the muscles or my vocal cords?
Thanks again for all of your help.

August 3, 2012 - 12:03pm