Increased risk of cancer? thyroid w/ multiple nodules < 1cm (9mm)

Hi @nemo1, according to this article, "The risk of cancer increases when a thyroid nodule is larger then 2cm" Read more here: https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/vol-6-issue-7/vol-6-issue-7-p-7/

It sounds like you are being followed by a physician to monitor your thyroid nodules. Do you see an endocrinologist?

Hi Colleen. Thank you for the information. I will read it. I didn’t know that. I have roughly 7 nodules roughly under 1cm.

I had an endocrinologist when it was first discovered she said, “woman get them its normal”.

This ultrasound she wanted to see me 2wks after it. Then I get a letter in the mail she’s no longer with the practice so i have to scramble for another. I have an idea where i will go. I wanted more explanation about thyroid nodules being that I seem to have nodules…thyroid, lungs, breast on kidney pole. So I dont know why i have so many all over.

Thank you again. 🙂

nemo1:from the perspective of nodule size, maybe this can provide some comfort. I had 3 nodules within the last 2-3 years. 2.0, 1.4 and then a 5.7 cm. The 5.7 report said: "Enlarged thyroid gland with asymmetric enlargement of the left lobe containing a 5.7 cm TR 3 mixed solid and cystic nodule that meets criteria for FNA." My Endocrinologist, who was trained at a center of excellence, said no worries and extended the time to 2 years before I needed to see her again. I did not have a 9 like yours but it was large and as long as it is not blocking anything and it is benign, all may be good.

I did have the FNA which was not bad, and it was found to be benign a couple of years ago. They numb that area and stick a needle in around where your Adams apple is. The pain anticipation was far worse than what I actually felt. I had another Thyroid Ultrasound recently. My first one was a couple of years ago. as I said, my Endocrinologist said don't sweat it which I read as I better monitor it as I do many physical issues now that I am older.

Another thought, a friend of mine had Thyroid cancer a couple of years ago and they did Brachytherapy. He gets checked regularly but all good.

Ben, thank you for expanding on nodules.

I suppose then being they are under 1 cm, I can breath a little easier. I just hope they don’t keep developing. I have thought seven nodules was a lot to have sprinkled around the thyroid. But I suppose size is of more importance (?}

I hope your recent ultrasounds results are good.

Will you need monitoring forever? Or will they stop the ultrasounds at some point? I need/have routine radiology exams for other issues. Wondering…

Thank you!!!

Hi - I just thought I would add to the reassurance you are receiving. I have two thyroid nodules that they have been watching for more than 20 years. At this point, my PCP has been ordering and ultrasound, which is then read by an endocrinologist. At first they did a fine needle aspiration on the larger one (just over 2cm), then were monitoring every year with ultrasound. After several years of no change, they went to 2 years, and in 2023, using a newer protocol (age plus length of time without change) they switched to every 5 years unless there is a change.
So I essentially have forgotten all about it.
Sue

Sue, thank you so much for the reassurances. That helps to know that it may/will not be forever…just a long while. 🙂

Was the nodule 2cm when they first discovered it?
If not, how long did it take to grow and if you know what conditions lead to their growth?

Do you know why they grow there to begin with?

Thanks so much!

I have had one or two thyroid nodules since 1988. Had aspiration in 1988, no cancer cells. Am monitored, no issues. Take Synthroid because nodules I guess interfered with hormone production. Basically nodules are rarely cancerous. One of mine I think has shrunk. They are common. Dont know sizes.

Mine was found during a physical, was large enough that the doc felt it when palpating my neck glands. The endocrinologist said "some people just grow them" so I never worried about finding a cause.
Sue

Hi everybody with thyroid nodule concerns. My husband had thyroid cancer in 2008. The back story is that something questionable turned up on a simple chest x-ray he had for some other thing (respiratory influenza). He was referred to endocrinology. I have an excellent endocrinologist and hauled my husband off to visit her. She examined him, did a needle aspiration and ordered a biopsy. My husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He had his thyroid removed and went on Synthroid / Levothyroxine. He was followed up with labs and scans for several years. Then the cancer was deemed to be resolved. Our endocrinologist discharged him from her care and our primary took over monitoring and adjusting the Synthroid / Levothyroxine.

Regarding thyroid nodules and hypothyroidism my husband does have symptoms of hypothyroidism at times but given he has no thyroid it it usually a matter of his med needing to be adjusted. Switching to my situation. I have a history of hyperthyroidism / Graves’ disease. It has been treated and I’ve been warned that over time it could switch to hypothyroidism. Our beloved endocrinologist is keeping an eye on this. Here is what this has to do with nodules. It has to do with family tree stuff and genetics. Our daughter was diagnosed with thyroglossal duct cysts. (Are those similar to nodules?) They were removed (probably biopsied; no news is good news?) A few years ago she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Long story short - A good endocrinologist is worth their weight in gold. They can help navigate thyroid issues from cancer to hyper &/or hypothyroidism.

Cheryl
Thanks for update. I just had tumor removed from right thyroid last Thursday. I still have 3 inch stitches with plastic glue on them. I will be anxious to hear the biopsy report and whether I will need medication going forward.
Don