Male with thyroid nodule

[jetmech313]

Dr. Lupo,
I am a 39 YO MALE  that shows no signs of any thyroid problems on my TSH/T4/T3 blood work (all normal range).
Sometime ago (2 years +) I noticed a small lump in the front of my neck. During my most recent PCP visit, I asked him and he referred me to US of thyroid.
Here is the report findings from that US:
The right thyroid lobe measures 5.5 x 1.5 x 1.7 cm. the left thyroid lobe measures 6 x 1.5 x 1.6 cm. the isthmus measures 0.4 cm. There is a 0.9 x 0.7 cm hypoechoic nodule in the interpolate region of the left thyroid lobe. A mixed solid and cystic nodule measuring 1.4 x 1.2 is present in the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe.
No suspicious microcalcifications or regional adenopathy is seen.
IMPRESSION: solitary nodules within the right and left thyroid lobes as described.
Furthermore, the radiologist checked off SMOOTH margins and intranodular flow for both nodules on the cover report. The right nodule was also checked off as heterogenous under the echogenicity characteristic.
My PCP advised on waiting and follow up US in six months to check and see if any changes because currently the nodules are not 1.5 cm.
I wanted more info, so I have requested a referral for ENDO consult, which I have scheduled on 1/25/12.
I am very concerned and not sure what all this means. I have no family history of thyroid cancer or of ever being exposed to radiation. Everything I have read on the Internet is concerning and misleading at times.
Dr. Lupo any information regrading my case would be sincerely appreciated. I am very anxious and concerned and don't know what to expect.
I have borderline high blood pressure, normal height and weight proportions and have also been told that I have a vitamin d deficiency.
Look forward to any and all responses.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You have no risk factors for thyroid cancer based on what you described.  The ultrasound description favors small benign nodules that likely should be followed over time without biopsy.  Hopefully the endocrinologist who you will see in 2 weeks will be able to do his/her own ultrasound in the office to confirm this impression.

[jetmech313]

I just wanted to give an update in case anyone was following. I went to my appointment with the ENDO and he reviewed my history and US films...
He was not overly concerned due to no suspicious findings, however offered to perform an FNAB to be 1000% sure ( his words, not mine).
I elected to have the biopsy, just to be sure. It was also important to note that the radiologist didn't measure the complex nodule accurately, it was actually 1.7 cm, not 1.4 cm. I was very impressed with the manner and professional nature of this ENDO, so I agreed to the biopsy, not to mention I haven't been able to focus on anything else since I was diagnosed with the nodule.
I just received the news yesterday that this was a benign colloid nodule, I was extremely relieved to say the least.
I just wanted to say the only thing that really got me through the anxiety and waiting was reading all the posts on this website and listening to everyone's stories... Both good and bad.
Thanks again to Dr. Lupo for hosting this and all of his accurate medical information that is shared here.

[jetmech313]

Thanks for replying and sharing your information. I plan on asking the ENDO all of these questions.

[jetmech313]

Thank you Dr. Lupo, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[grgmals]

Hi Jetmech,

Another male with thyroid nodules/issues.  Just wanted to let you know that it definitely can be scary. I had 2 - 3 CM nodules on my thyroid and ended up having the lobe removed.  2 biopsies were both benign and when they removed them they biopsied it all and it was benign. ended up being Hashimotos Thyroiditis.  I have nodules on the remaining part that are making my neck full now.

What I did was I asked my Dr to do the blood tests for thyroid antibodies. Graves Disease and Hashimotos. Your PCP and def the endo will know what these blood tests are.  

I am not a Dr. and I am sure Dr Lupo will answer this question. I have posted a few on here to him and he is fantastic at responding.  I just wanted to drop a note to you letting you know not to freak out too bad.  Believe me I freaked out.  Thought for sure I had cancer.  Turned out not to be, as most of these (Over 90% I think) are not cancer.

Good luck.