About Karen Brawner Expertise I will answer any questions you have regarding the thyroid whether it be cancer, cysts (types), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, blood tests for thyroid problems, surgery, fine needle biopsies etc...
Experience My complex cysts on my right thyroid gland and the isthmus were found my accident when my doctor thought I was having a TIA. The ultrasound found a complex cysts the size of a golf ball (which turned out to be the size of a tennis ball when it was surgically remove). Doctors were totally surprised because for 5 years, including the day I went to surgery, all of my thyroid blood work was "within the normal range". So much for blood work being conclusive..
Question Hi, I had an ultrasound done since I last posted about the nodule found on my thyroid during a catscan. It is a solitary solid nodule within the thyroid gland with increased vascularity, well circumscribed complex nodule measuring 1.9 x 1.5 x 1.0 cm within the inferior pole of the right lobe. My bloodwork came back normal, so do not have hypo or hyper. Endocrinologist wants me to get an ultrasound guided biopsy done with more bloodwork. I am a 34 year old female, just had my first child 10 months ago. Any insight would be appreciated, thanks!
Answer Dear Vicki, I am confused a little because there is a big difference between a SOLID nodule and a COMPLEX nodule.... BOTH are suspecious, but there is a difference...
I agree with the endo that you DO need an ultrasound guided biopsy, but you must also remember that these biopsies are NOT 100% and most of the time are only about 80-85% accurate....
Also it is common for people who have nodules to have "normal" blood work, so your doctor needs to pay the most attention to the ultrasound and biopsy rather than the blood work.... Also, this is fairly large and it could be that IF the pathology report comes back "incomplete" or "unable to properly diagnose", that the thyroid gland should be removed surgically and completely biopsied just to be on the safe side....
