Worried about biopsy... help

[cwhit1014]

I had a Uptake scan which showed a "cold" nodule. Then, I had an ultrasound. I have a biopsy scheduled. My ultrasound report said the following:

"Findings: There is a cold nodule in the lower pole of the right lobe on the nuclear medicine scan. This corresponds to a dominant, mildly heterogeneous nodule. This measures 2.9 x 1.6 x 1.8 cm. There is a small cyst and smaller nodule within the right lobe. The smaller nodule measures 12x8x9 mm. There is a 5x6 mm solid nodule withine the left lobe. Overall the right lobe measures 5.1 x 1.8 x 2 cm and the left lobe 5.0 x 1.1 x 1.8 cm.
Impression: Dominant, solid nodule within the lower pole of the right lobe of the thyroid glad. This was a cold nodule on recent thyroid scanning. Further evaluation is suggested with percutaneous biopsy of this nodule, if this has not been performed previously"

OK.... Is that a large nodule?? That sounds big to me. What do you think is going on?? I am so scared that it's cancer. I just had a baby boy 8 months ago.... I can't be sick! I'm just wondering if anyone else has anything similar to this going on. Thanks for any input.

[ChitChatNine]

it isn't huge but isn't tiny either.  Anything over 1.0 cm can be biopsied.  Try to take it one step at a time ... I'm not a Dr but have gone through where you are now.  I would get an FNA as long as you know it isn't 100% accurate and can actually give inconclusive results, sometimes, too ...........but it will give a much better picture of what is going on maybe for you to make a decision to have surgery or not.

Cold ='s benign usually but is NOT 100% accurate .. it only helps aid in a diagnosis ... the scans sometimes bring more ?'s to the table then answers ...but your Dr. sounds thorough in having these tests done to date.

A solid nodule can be an adenoma which is overgrowth of thyroid tissue. But there are so many variations and the only way to be 100% certain is with final pathology reports done after surgical removal.

Cheryl (partial thyroidectomy 1/07)

[treimbol]

I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry too much.  I just had a baby 3 months ago (I also have a 16 month old and a 6 year old) and was at my postpartum checkup when a nodule was found on my throat by my midwife.  So I know exactly what you are going through.  But you have to remain positive...worrying is NOT productive.  Getting information now is---if it is cancer, and if you have one of the garden variety thyroid cancers (papillary and follicuar) then it is HIGHLY CURABLE!  Repeat after me: "I will be ok, I will not worry! Everything will be FINE."
Theresa (total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma 5/08)