Dr.Is it Likely I Have Thyroid Cancer Based On My US Features?

[fanofthefab4]

Dr.Lupo,
I really am convinced I have thyroid cancer from all of the medical information I have read. The disconinous hypoechoic ring,I have around the same nodule that has some blood flow inside, I keep finding as typical US features of thyroid cancer. I'm scared of surgery but I think I should really consider just getting my thyroid out at this point. Plus I have no thyroid conditions and I know it's more likely to be benign when you do,although I did find at least 8 women on other thyroid health boards who didn't have thyroid conditions,their blood tests were normal but they had benign nodules. So I know it's possible but I have several of these common features plus a normal functioning thyroid.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Surgery is not recommended for "suspicious" US characteristics -- surgery is based on FNA results.  If these are not clearly benign, then surgery is considered.

[fanofthefab4]

utahmomma,

thank you so much for your great supportive response! I know I am familar with you and your sisters thyroid cancer cases. I had read your posts about a month ago before I registered. You and your sisters experience is very unusaul though, because #1 thyroid nodules as I have learned and as the doctor I saw last week and many other doctors have said,thyroid nodules are very common,but thyroid cancer is not very common. Also the type of cancer you and your sisters had is as you said,nongenetic too. I know that only a very small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancer,but thats why it's so unreal that I would have several of the ultrasound features that are commonly found with it.


But there are also many studies that have found benign thyroid nodules have some of these features too. Thats why they can't tell 100 % if it's benign or not from ultrasounds. I have no hyper or hypothyroid conditions though and endocrine web which you mentioned and I have already read this site two months ago as well as many other medical sites says that if you are hyper or hypothyroid the nodules are more likely to be benign,but I don't have any of these conditions and that makes me more worried. But I have found at least 8 women on other thyroid boards who also didn't have any thyroid conditions and their blood tests were also normal and they had benign nodules, and a  medical site I recently found said that thyroid nodules are very comon and people who have no thyroid conditions can even get them. I'm really glad you and your sisters are now OK. Can I ask how old you and your sisters were at the time of the thyroid cancer?

[fanofthefab4]

utahmomma,

I'm sorry I just re-read your post to me and I see the ages of you and your sisters.

[utahmomma]

Please read the patient to patient thyroid forum.  There are many, many of us on there who have faced thyroid nodules.  Some of us have had malignant nodules, many others have had non-malignant.  You can ask plenty of questions about thyroid biopsies and surgeries - we have been through them.  It is frightening but not the end of the world.  *If* there is a malignancy (and 95% of nodules are NOT malignant) it is one of the most treatable cancers and is quite slow growing.  Many of us have described the surgery as one of the easiest we've been through.  

I'm not trying to talk you into, or out of, anything.  Just know you aren't alone in this.  I have had thyroid cancer as have three of my sisters (ages 24-40).  I have another sister who was precancerous as was my 16-year old daughter.  We've got a bit of experience with thyroid biopsies, surgeries, cancer, and RAI treatment.  This is manageable!!!  Don't let your mind run away with you, it's just something to be taken in stride.  Just take a deep breath and do some research.

Here are some good resources:
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/

You will get great medical advice here and you'll find lots of personal experience and help on the patient-to-patient forum.   There are a lot more resources available to you here than anyone in my family had just a few years ago.

You'll be okay.

[hollyloxx]

i am same as you. i went in fir a routine check up and my dr said that my thyroid looked enlarged, its been 4 months and i have found out thru sonogram that both sides are enlarged and that one side is 2 itmes as big as the other side. it also has 3 goiters on that side.
form the iodine test i found out the nodules are cold. so my thyroid levles are normal but dr said that only one side is doing all the work.
i have to have the biopsy next week and i am scared shitless.
dr said that one nodule has grown since i last seen him. only 6 weeks ago.
i am really worried. i have been feeling awful.
keep me updated on what u find out and i will do the same.

[fanofthefab4]

hollylox,

I'm sorry you are going through this too! My thyroid is a normal size and functions well except for these damn nodules on it! Good luck with your biopsy.