Ultrasound results -- plese interpret -- possible cancer?

[AnnDS]

Hi Dr. Lupo:

Please assist with an interpretation of my recent thyroid ultrasound:

"FINDINGS:
The echotexture of the thyroid is homogeneous and within normal limits
The right lobe is 2.4 X 1.8 X 3.1 cm.

The left lobe is 1.9 X 1.4 X 3.3 cm with slight heterogeneity to its echotexture and a small nodule which measures 3 mm x 2 mm is seen in the inferior pole.  It is predominantly solid.

The isthmus is 3.2 and within normal limits.

CONCLUSION:
1.  No evidence of thyroid enlargement
2. Tiny nodule in the lower pole of the left thyroid lobe."

I have been recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's and had the following results from the lab blood work:--

I am a female, age 56, 5.4", 124 lbs.

7/31/08:
Thyroid Peroxidase AB:  535   [Reference range: 0 - 35]
Anti-Thyroglobulin AB    1089  [Reference range: 0 - 40]
T3, Total:                      1.3    [Reference range: .84 - 1.72]
Free T4:                        .7      [Reference range: .8 - 1.8]
TSH:                            60.40 [Reference range:  .40 - 4.0]

9/4/08:
TSH:                            16.0
Free T4                        1.2    [Reference range: .8 - 1.8]
Free T3                        3.2    [Reference range:  1.8 - 4.2]

9/16/08:  My GP started me on 30 mg. of Armour.

Does the solid nodule indicate possible cancer??  FYI, there is no thyroid cancer in my family.  Are there any actions that need to be taken?  FYI, there is no thyroid cancer in my family.  

Thanks so much for your time in interpreting the ultrasound results.

Regards,
Anne

[AnnDS]

Dr. Lupo:

Thanks so much for your input -- truly appreciated and I know how busy you must be.

Regards,
Anne

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The described nodule is too small for biopsy and is not likely significant, would repeat US in 6-8 months to ensure stability.

Your thyroid panels differ significantly within 5 weeks -- if you were on no medication between these two time periods then this suggests that you were recovering from a probable silent thyroiditis (caused by immune system attack on thyroid).  Sometimes there is not a full recovery, so the armour (or other thyroid replacement) may be necessary.