I have a nodule on my thyroid

Posted by stparke @stparke, May 1 2:14pm

I have hyperthyroidism and the doctors have ruled out any autoimmune cause. In November I had ultrasound that showed that I had a nodule that was half a centimeter in size. I did another ultrasound in March that showed that the nodule had grown to 0.8 cm in size. That’s a 60% increase in size in about 4 months. Weirdly, my doctor says he doesn’t recommend another ultrasound for another year. That seems like a really long time. I would like to get biopsied as soon as possible and be in a position to remove any cancer as soon as possible if, in fact, there is cancer. Is it responsible for us to wait a full year before doing a follow up ultrasound? The doctor said they don’t usually do biopsies until nodules are at least a centimeter in size, but at the rate that it has been growing so far, it could be a centimeter in size in just a couple of months. Wouldn’t it make sense to get another ultrasound then, and then do a biopsy?

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gently | @gently | May 1 3:42pm

hi. stparke
I like your way of thinking.
The decision of biopsy or no biopsy is usually made on a palpable nodule of greater than l cm based on its appearance on ultrasound. You should ask for and keep a report of your ultrasounds.
Even though most of these nodules are not cancerous even the ones that produce hormone and are called toxic, I'm with you, repeat the ultrasound in four months. Your doctor is being reasonable. In your situation I would politely ask for an ultrasound in four month. Respecting his decision, I would then find a doctor who would order the ultrasound. Can you self-refer to an endocrinologist or rheumatologist.
I'd guess that your nodule will grow, that it is benign and that it is producing hormone that is resulting in hyperthyroidism. But I prefer the science, and think you should have access to it with an ultrasound in 4 months. I prefer your reasoning to that of your physicians. I do hope you find nothing of concern.

biga282 | @biga282 | May 2 9:18am

Don’t wait to have it checked. My daughter (37) had to wait 3 months for her Thyroidectomy and has malignant nodules. She had both removed , her thyroid and some nodules. She recently found out that they had left nodules in her neck that were malignant. She had 16 biopsies done in Denver. The biopsies are painless she said, done with a very small needle. Personally I wouldn’t wait. Best of luck!🙏

tkj68 | @tkj68 | May 4 9:47am

My Endocrinologist said an oncologist will medicate and an ENT surgeon wants to do surgery. He likes to monitor and watch for a bit. This said, a year feels like a long time. You might consider asking for a four month follow-up or get a second opinion.