3mm Focal Coarse calcification

[debsc423]

I had a cervical spine CT scan in the ER following a car accident and it found a 3mm focal coarse calcification and recommended follow up with endocrinologist. I had a c-spine fusion 20 years ago and have had a fair amount of radiation over the years. I recently had bloodwork (unrelated) with normal thyroid levels, but slightly high blood calcium. Is this worth follow up or is this one of many "blips" that show up during tests and following up on every one is unnecessary. No family history by the way.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is worth pursuing.  An ultrasound of the thyroid as well as a repeat blood test for parathyroid and calcium level would be warranted.  A normal thyroid blood test tells us nothing about the nature of a possible nodule.  CT scans can sometimes underestimate size of thyroid nodules so this 3 mm abnormality may be just 3 mm or could potentially be larger.

[debsc423]

Thanks Dr. Lupo. My GP "forced" me to go get an ultrasound and you were right...it is actually a single 7mm, heterogenous nodule with calcification and they want me to go get a Fine Needle Aspiration. I am 42, caucasian, female with a history of head and neck radiation (I not only had the C Spine fusion at 20, but TWO mastoidectomies at 35 and have had dozens of CAT scans and tons of X Rays)...trying not to think that I am checking a bunch of the boxes for possible malignancy but I'm a bit nervous. Thank you so much for your response, truly appreciated.