NODULE

[DONCHI]

My 16 year old daughter has been followed for enlarged thyroid since age 12 but has had normal labs.  There is thyroid disease on both sides of the family; hypo maternal and hyper paternal.  In the spring a nodule was also noted 5 x 3 x 5mm and the gland was 5 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm, with homogeneous echoes.  All lab work was normal including parathyroid.  The endocrinologist decided to wait and repeat the ultrasound in six months.  The current ultrasound shows a hypoechoic nodule measuring 1.3 x 0.2 cm and the gland being 5.0 x 1.6 x 1.4cm.  She will be having a fine needle biopsy soon.  What is the cancer risk?  If the biopsy is inconclusive how should we proceed?  If it is negative should she be treated to try and shrink the tryroid and the nodule?  I had an enlarged thyroid for years and was not treated until my labs were abnormal (after pregnancy) and by then I had a 17" neck, I don't want that to happen to my daughter.  Any information you can give me would be appreciated.    

[GravesLady]

You might go to the doctor forum and ask Dr. Lupo at http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/120 or
at left of page almost top, under "Thyroid Disorders" in red click on "thyroid" it will take you to the forum.