Should I have a biopsy?

[jules1626]

I have a 40 year old brother who underwent treatment for Thyroid cancer 2 years ago.  Recently at my yearly checkup, the midwife felt an abnormality on my thyroid and sent me for an ultrasound.  My thyroid function tests were normal, but the US showed a tiny (3.3x2x2.3mm)hypoechoic nodule in each thyroid lobe.  The midwife reported to me that the US was normal and I wouldn't even know about the nodules if I hadn't asked for a copy of the report.  When my brothers nodule was discovered incidentally on a CT he had done d/t neck pain, he was told not to worry about it but he had it biopsied anyway and it was indeed malignant.  Can a nodule as small as mine be biopsied?  Should I pursue this further with an endocrinologist?  Thanks for any info you can offer.
Julie

[krys48]

I had multiple nodules that were my bigger in size. I think that You need to listen to your body and how you feel. I decided not to have biopsy because with multiple nodules it is very difficult procedures and results can be inconclusive at best. My endo and surgeon decided to remove my thyroid completely based on my ultrasound and CT. thankfully all nodules were benign. and it is correct that most of the multiple nodules are benign. I removed mine only because they were very highly calcified and were hurting my neck.
I think that it would be good to see endocrinologist just in case. You might be just fine, even though your brother had a cancer. I was worried too because my mothe had a thyroid problems as well as my older sister.
Keep us posted . Sending you positive thoughts and blessings.
krys48

[898]

The nodule can be biopsed with the aid of ultrasound guiding.
It is just common trend to watch and wait until nodule increases in size to 1cm.
(this may take years or even decades).The 40 percent of women over 40 are having small inpalpable nodules. Multiple nodules are usually benign.

[pep88]

I answered another post almost exactly the same as yours just a bit ago...  Here's the story...

My cancer... Found nodules pretty much on accident from a CT scan done on a unrelated issue.  I had the CT faxed to me or I wouldn't have ever known about the nodules!  Then I proceeded to get as "educated" as I could about what this all entailed.  I had the fine needle aspiration (FNA) in August '07.  The FNA results came back "suspicious" for cancer.  I had a TT in September and it was, indeed, cancer.  I had an RAI in November to irradiate the remaining thyroid cells.  

Fast forward to today;  I am currently cancer free.  In hindsite, I kind of "knew".  I knew it was cancer and that I needed to get it out.  With your family history I would definately have a FNA and FNA's are notoriously wrong with their results, but I'd do it anyway.
Your "gut" feeling and your brother's situtation make it a no brainer as far as I'm concerned.   Most thyroid cancer (if it is indeed that) is very slow growing and very curable.  So it's up to you, but I suspect that the reason for thyroid cancer is somewhat exposure/family related.  (Talk to Utahmamma here at the forum.)  

There is a WEALTH of information here and a ton of support too.  We'll listen and try to help wherever and whenever we can.  Remember that no good can come from worring yourself into a frenzy.  Deal with the facts and your gut.  Good luck.  Keep us informed.