Thyroid Cancer?

[Shell1967]

Is the only way to rule out thyroid cancer through a scan?  My bloodwork was as follows:

thyroid peroxidase ab     >1000
thyroglobulin ab             >77.3
TSH                              8.7
T3                                1.2
T4                                0.1
also WBC was            12.5

My Dr. diagnosed me with Hashimoto's thyroiditis causing hypothyroidism with multinodule goiter.  What worries me is that he never ordered a follow-up scan when the thyroid ultrasound stated: "enlarged very heterogeneous thyroid gland with a well circumscribed nodule off the posterior inferior right lobe measuring 1.1 cm.  Suggest followup scan to confirm stability of this nodule."  I'm also worried that the thyroid peroxidase antibodies were so very high.  Should I insist on the thyroid scan?

Also, I have had a cough for 3 weeks and told my Dr. that it felt like there was something stuck in my throat.  He just patted my shoulder and said not to worry.  After reading about thyroid cancer on-line, this all makes me worry.  

Thanks--shell1967

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

In this case, the uptake and scan is not indicated and will not rule out cancer.  An FNA biopsy is the test of choice for cancer.  You have Hashimoto's and treatment with thyroxine should help shrink the thyroid and possibly the nodule.  If the nodule persists (or does not shrink) after normalizing TSH, then an FNA needs to be done.  Alternatively, could go ahead with FNA now for peace of mind.  Would need to be done under ultrasound guidance.

[Shell1967]

Thanks so much for your advice.  I appreciate your time and your thoughtfulness.  

I don't look forward to the FNA but would rather find out sooner than later.  Thanks again!  sds