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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@gillsden

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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Did your nodule have any suspicious features?

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@leaptadej

Did your nodule have any suspicious features?

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I first had an ultrasound that showed the size of one of the nodules (2 cm) and that is why there was a needle biopsy done. That result came back as “undetermined.”From there it went to molecular testing. I do have some other very small nodules. I need to follow up with endocrinologist and would imagine we would just watch those since they are to small to even biopsy. I actually went to three doctors. I was very unsure of doing a fully thyroidectomy or just have half removed. It’s important that you continue seeking answers until you are comfortable.

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@gillsden

I first had an ultrasound that showed the size of one of the nodules (2 cm) and that is why there was a needle biopsy done. That result came back as “undetermined.”From there it went to molecular testing. I do have some other very small nodules. I need to follow up with endocrinologist and would imagine we would just watch those since they are to small to even biopsy. I actually went to three doctors. I was very unsure of doing a fully thyroidectomy or just have half removed. It’s important that you continue seeking answers until you are comfortable.

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Thank you for your response, etc.
My endoc. kept telling not to worry about it but I still feel not settled because of the taller than wide feature.

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I can understand your concern. It’s easy for someone to tell you not to worry. Best of luck in your decision. Please let me know how you are doing.

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