Should I have a thyroid scan?

[Brooksie89]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and an ultrasound showed a very small nodule.  I am on .50 mcg of levothyroxin right now (TSH 5.67) and go back the first of March for more bloodwork.  My gyno wants me to have a thyroid scan, but my ENT said I did not need one to cancel it.  He said we already know I am hypo and that I have a small nodule.  To get my TSH down and after I get it down then I may want to get another ultrasound to check and see if nodule has grown or shrunk?  I am scared to death of the radioactive iodine.  I really do not want to have this plus I have read it will stop your thyroid from functioning at all.  Of course, I don't want to have thyroid cancer & not know it either.  Do you think I should have the thyroid scan or listen to my ENT?  The nodule is only 0.9x0.6x0.8 cm.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

NO - a nuclear scan is not indicated in the evaluation of a nodule in a patient with normal or hypothyroid function.  Would usually watch a nodule of this size with repeat ultrasound in 4-6 months and if it grows, do an FNA biopsy

[Brooksie89]

Thanks for the advice.  They are now just going to do an ultrasound on my thyroid in April.  This will be about 7 months from the time the nodule was found.  Hopefully, it will have shrunk or gone away.