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TIRAD 4 and worried about thyroid cancer
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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Did your nodule have any suspicious features?
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.
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.
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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1 Reaction@andreag hi
I have a tirad 4 as well which they are saying is 0.9cm so same as you, wait for a year.
Can you suggest what can be done and what helped you to get treatment?
@parul9188
I waited a year for another ultrasound- eventually it was upgraded to. tR5 so I had a biopsy and it was negative. Unfortunately I think all most can do is take a wait and see approach- if you’re really worried you can ask about a referral to an endocrinologist- if all your thyroid levels are normal though they probably won’t do much.
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1 Reaction@andreag
Thanks for replying to my query.
My tsh and t3 t4 are normal.
They say that the nodule (0.9mm) is hyperechoic and wider than taller.
But still categorised at TIRAD4. Have been asked to wait for a year and they are not referring me to an endocrinologist.
@parul9188
Its really killing me each day, and I have no idea how to keep going with a positive mind set.