Thyroid Nodules

I have a Nodule on my right thyroid and by the ultrasound it is laying on a carotid artery.  The doctors refused to
do a biopsy because they said it needed to come out.  How likely is that nodule to be attached to that carotid
artery?  It has been there 10  years I know of.

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
It is likely not truly "attached" to the carotid as the thyroid glans (glands) itself is separated from the carotid by a vascular sheath of tissue, but it is probably very close to it and thus not a good spot for a biopsy because of the risk of injuring the carotid artery. Sounds like your doctors are looking at the best alternatives for you, including surgery.
take care.