TIRAD 4 and worried about thyroid cancer

Posted by andreag @andreag, Nov 18, 2023

I'm not even sure this is the right group for me because it's not confirmed i have Thyroid cancer - but i'm not sure where else to post. Anyway, i had a neck ultrasound done about a week ago for an unrelated issue and an incidental finding was several nodules on my thyroid, so it was recommended i have another ultrasound of just my thyroid. I got those results back this morning - 4 nodules total, two on each lobe, 1 solid one on each lobe and a colloidal cyst on each lobe, only one of the solid ones was described as "concerning" and i was given TIRAD of 4 - it is 1.1 cm x 1.1 cm x 1 cm - the recommendation is to wait a year and do another ultrasound. I know that a TIRAD of 4 means that there were some features that are concerning for malignancy. I do understand that most thyroid cancers are slow growing and metastasis may be rare, so i guess that's why they are ok waiting a year? MY understanding is that if my nodule was 1.5 cm instead of 1.1, i'd be getting a biopsy. I have an appointment with my doctor on tuesday. Is it reasonable to ask for a second opinion? I should also note that I have type 2 diabetes and i'm being monitored for a breast lesion that was BIRAD of 3 - i also was adopted so i don't know all of my family history. I'm just wondering if i should ask my doctor to be referred to an endocrinologist? I think if i spoke to a specialist who is familiar with these types of things and aware of my risk factors, i'd feel better waiting a year if they agreed with that recommendation. Thoughts? I know Thyroid cancer is very treatable but i don't like the thought of something that is potentially malignant staying in my body for a year. thanks

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@fossfactor

I agree I have somewhat monitored a nodule for ten years and this year it had grown to 13 mm and the other one was 9mm. The larger one was mistakenly read at 17mm so I had a biopsy which showed papillary carcinoma which was a bit scary. The endocrinologist and my cancer doctor at Mayo were outstanding as well as the nursing staff. I had two nodules on the left side and Dr. Stuckey removed half of my thyroid. I am waiting for the biopsies to come back. I have read that there is a two percent chance of spreading so I am feeling confident.
The biopsy was not too bad and the surgery just feels like I got throat punched. I am on day four after surgery and feeling well. I am glad they did get it out. Just hoping I don't have to take iodine if any spread has occurred.
The surgery staff were simply amazing. I cannot recommend Mayo enough. Good luck.

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My biopsies came back negative. That is great news. Now just have to heal up. My voice has come back and my energy is increased. Thank you Dr. Stuckey and all the incredible Doctors and staff. Top notch,

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@fossfactor

My biopsies came back negative. That is great news. Now just have to heal up. My voice has come back and my energy is increased. Thank you Dr. Stuckey and all the incredible Doctors and staff. Top notch,

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Fantastic news, @fossfactor. Throwing confetti your way. How is the healing going? What tip would you share with someone newly diagnosed?

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@colleenyoung

Fantastic news, @fossfactor. Throwing confetti your way. How is the healing going? What tip would you share with someone newly diagnosed?

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I initially was very scared with a diagnosis of malignancy in my nodule in my thyroid. I would tell people the biopsy process is not painful and the doctors and assistants were wonderful about explaining everything. The surgeon Dr. Stuckey is amazing as well as the whole surgical crew. Half my thyroid was removed and I explain the pain as though one got punched in the throat. The pain was manageable and ice is your friend.

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Hello:
I am new to the chat group.
If you don't mind my asking ... may I ask you a few questions about your thyroid issue?

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@leaptadej

Hello:
I am new to the chat group.
If you don't mind my asking ... may I ask you a few questions about your thyroid issue?

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sure

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In reply to @andreag "sure" + (show)
@andreag

I had an ultrasound on my thyroid done in Feb. It has a taller than wide, hypoecohic features. Those two features are the only suspicious features. It's a mixed solid/cyst nodule. My endocrinologist has been very helpful
She left it up to me to do a biopsy or not. So I decided to do a biopsy which is scheduled for Oct 30th

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@leaptadej

I had an ultrasound on my thyroid done in Feb. It has a taller than wide, hypoecohic features. Those two features are the only suspicious features. It's a mixed solid/cyst nodule. My endocrinologist has been very helpful
She left it up to me to do a biopsy or not. So I decided to do a biopsy which is scheduled for Oct 30th

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But she told me not to worry. But I've been a pickle over this taller than wide feature

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No other abnormalities are found in the ultrasound

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@leaptadej

No other abnormalities are found in the ultrasound

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Thyroid nodules are weird- glad you’re doing the biopsy even if just for piece of mind. I have not had a biopsy yet but just had an ultrasound done right now they are just monitoring. My ENT made me feel better- even if they are malignant, most are very slow growing and most do not spread which is why the survival rate for most types is so high

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@andreag

Thyroid nodules are weird- glad you’re doing the biopsy even if just for piece of mind. I have not had a biopsy yet but just had an ultrasound done right now they are just monitoring. My ENT made me feel better- even if they are malignant, most are very slow growing and most do not spread which is why the survival rate for most types is so high

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Good morning - I agree. My nodules were found accidentally. Testing came back 70% chance of cancer on right side. I decided to do a lobectomy and it turns out it was cancer. Thankfully contained. The recovery was not as bad as I was anticipated. Good luck to you. This group has been a big help in my journey.

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