Hypoechoic complex nodule

[chinita]

I've been having problems remembering to take my pills.  So when last week I felt something in my throat I immediately went to the endo.  She checked, felt a nodule and sent me for a sonogram.  My sonogram stated I had a hypoechoic complex nodule in the lower half of my right lobe measuring 0.76 x 0.63 x 0.74 cm.  (Heterogeneous right lobe 3.43 x 1.37 x 1.33 cm and heterogenous left lobe 4.38 x 1.26 x 1.09 cm).  My endo says that since it's smaller than 1cm I should not worry and that I just need to have periodic checks.  My TSH is at 3.47 (do to the fact that I forget my meds) and I'm currently alternating my Levoxyl prescription as ordered between 100 and 112 (100 wasn't enough and 112 was too much).  
My endo told me a year ago that because my thyroid was heterogenous I had a good chance of developing cancer in the future.  The sonogram from last year did not reveal any nodules.  Should I be worried about cancer??  What are the chances of my nodule growing or shrinking?  Is it ok to wait as the endo recommended??

[Pjeans]

A related discussion, clinical significance of a hypoechoic thyroid nodule was started.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

the heterogeneity is more likely suggesting underlying hashi than an inc'd risk for cancer.  I would usually watch a nodule below 1cm, but if it grows to >1cm then FNA.  The 'nodule' may just be an area of inc'd inflammation from the immune system attack in hashimotos -- so if you have hashi as cause of hypo (confirm by having blood tests for thyroid antibodies) then waiting makes sense.

[chinita]

Thanks

[utahmomma]

Please keep a close eye on it.  I had a small, solitary complex nodule and it ended up being 4-5mm papillary carcinoma (then the rest of my family also developed it . . . long story).  Just make sure your endo orders ultrasounds on it every 6 months or so and TAKE YOUR PILLS!  If it is cancer you want to keep it suppressed so don't forget the pills.