ultrasound today

[mamasmith]

I had an ultrasound today.  My MRI from last week showed a complex cyst on the left.  During the ultrasound she found a small fluid-filled cyst on the right also.  On the left the cyst was 2 cm with a little portion that looked like fluid and the rest was solid.  The tech was very nice and offered me this information.  I also found out that my TSH was 1.26, which is good.  My doctor said a radiologist wouldn't read the u/s until Monday and he would call me.  He said depending on what the report was I could be have a radioactive uptake or a biopsy or possibly nothing.

Any comments on this?  Should I insist on one of the tests even if he wants to do nothing?  If the tech told me the cyst was solid, and I saw the screen and I could tell the fluid filled one from the solid one doesn't it seem to reason the radiologist will say solid as well??

I'm guessing many of you have been in this situation.  Any and all replies will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Amy

[ChitChatNine]

I wish I could offer you advice but I'm not a pro on reading ultrasounds.  I would want a biopsy (FNA) most likely based on the one that is complex .. mine showed on the u/s hypoechoic and turned out to be solid and bening (overgrowth of thyroid).  Cysts are usually 'good stuf' as they are fluid.

C~

[utahmomma]

Amy,

My ultrasound showed one small, complex (mixed) nodule which turned out to be cancerous.  Here's some good information on cysts: http://www.endocrineweb.com/nodule.html and http://www.endocrineweb.com/noduleus.html

My nodule was solitary, complex, and had rough edges.   From what I read (and not having this forum) I decided that it was too small for a good FNA biopsy and just went ahead and had the surgery.  Oh, I also had a gut feeling about it too.  Anyway, it was cancerous.    My daughter had three nodules that looked similar to mine - hers were NOT cancerous but were labeled "precancerous".

Most nodules (around 80-90%) are benign but having a complex composition makes them more suspicious.

Personally I'm not a huge advocate of FNAs (two of my sister's who had them were told their nodules were benign - they, in fact, both had papillary carcinoma).  You need to contact an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroids (many do NOT) and schedule a consult.  Take copies of the ultrasound pictures *and* reading to the doctor (not just the radiologist's report) and discuss your plan of action.  The endo may suggest "wait and see", a FNA, an update scan, etc.  MOST will not suggest surgery right away - I had to push for mine.  Then again, my family is the exception to the thyroid nodule rule!!!

Get an endocrinologist - don't rely on your regular doctor alone to guide you in this, this calls for a specialist.

[mamasmith]

Thanks for your replies.  My husband also thinks no matter what reports say or my PCP says that we need to find an endocrinologist, and I'm agreeing with him.  I at the very least am going to insist on further testing.  My insurance deductible is already met, so what the heck!  I have a lot of people telling me they know others who have cysts on their thyroids and it's no big deal...that they are almost always benign.

If you knew me and my family you would expect the unexpected!  I already this year have had a colonoscopy and had a polyp removed...the kind if left alone can become cancerous.  I can't have the "always benign" kind!  I have had so much cancer in my family.  Cancers of all kinds...colon, breast, bladder, stomach, lung, cervical, skin...  We have others things as well...Down Syndrome, cystic fibrosis...  So why not problems with a thyroid as well?!  ;)~

I'm just short of 38.  I have three children, ages 19, 8 and 6.  If for no other reason I owe it to them to get to the bottom of things with my health.  Deep down I have this feeling I am fine, but why the heck not when it comes to finding out all you can.?.?

Thanks again for your replies and for "listening" to me ramble on this morning.  Have a great Sunday!