What does undefined nodule mean?

[cking30]

I recently had a thryoid biopsy and the result was inconclusive because there was not enough specimen.  My doctor is going to wait a few months and perform another ultrasound rather than another biopsy.  He wants to see if the undefined shaped nodule has changed and then maybe do a CT scan.  Does any of this sound reasonable to anyone?  If my doctor thought that there could be something wrong why wouldn't he just repeat the biopsy?  Any ideas or comments?

Thanks,
Cindy

[cking30]

Thank you all for your omments.  I will definitely not worry too much.  I was told the size of the nodule is 2cm, which doesn't sound big.  I was surprised when my Dr suggested the biopsy because everytime I visit him I do the swallow test with a glass of water and he has never mentioned anything odd.  My antibodies are 604 however, all my other thryoid tests are normal.  I am a third generation of thyroid "issues" maybe that is the cause for concern.  I just don't like the feeling that he is "looking" for something, and again maybe it's me.......Thanks again all!

cking30

[JimMcD]

I feel ya, My mother died after a few bouts with Thyroid + other cancers. I just had an ultra sound in which they discovered several nodules ('probably benign') will follow, doing the barium swallow test w/pill next week (I had several strokes, swallow & speech difficulties), then they will evaluate me for therapies. My doctor has very thoughtful, soothing, calm manner!
I would have avoided the biopsy before the ultra-sound though! I hate needles.

[Fuel1212]

Hi there, I would definitely keep up with this though. I recently had a partial thyroidectomy, because of a 6mm nodule that came up suspicious from the FNA. (Don't be alarmed) It would just be a great idea that if it was something cancerous catching it in the early stages, especially if you are young increases, your chances of recovery. If you have any other questions, let me know I would be happy to help.

Stella and Tamra are fantastic by the way and helped me on several occasions as well as others on this site. Really feels like family and kept me going. THANKS!

Fuel

[stella5349]

Most likely the biospy failed because they didn't get into the cell enough to see the best slide to Dx an issue or description of the nodule itself.

I had this happen myself and decided to wait and see if anything has grown before repeating the FNA.

Seems like the scan itself that you had didn't quite pick up the right details yet to see if this is something to actually worry about. You have no defination of size or shape from what you say - so the doctor may have done the FNA just as something extra to see if anything could get picked up in the biospy to follow through more on. Now that it came back, and nothing was dectected - he or she has chose to take the watch and see approach many do in this type of situation.

See what happens in 3 months. Make sure you go for the US scan again.

Good Luck

[TamraW]

Sounds like the nodule is too small to biopsy. The large nodules are the ones to worry about. I would definitely follow up with this nodule. If he performs an ultrasound in a few months, and the nodule has grown, then you should demand another biopsy.

Why the biopsy in the first place? Any symptoms of thyroid disease or bloodwork indicating disease?

:) Tamra