Non diagnostic FNAB

[dempsey1]

My thyroid US showed a solitary 1.1 cm intermediate echogenicity solid nodule with a partially calcified rim in eggshell pattern, no evidence of internal calcification and no significant internal color Doppler flow. Blood tests were all within normal range, The nodule was discovered 6 months ago during a CT neck scan for salivary gland question.

I had radiation to neck area as a child in the early 1950s for tounsils which were subsequently surgically removed.

A recent US FNAB of thyroid was non-diagnostic. Insuffient cell material.  The endo made 4 passes.  Two could not get thru rim calcification, the other 2 from less desirable approach.

Repeat US FNAB or thyroidectomy now  were suggested.

1. How long a wait is appropriate before a repeat FNAB?

2. Based on the above, am I better offf just having the surgery now and forgoing a repeat FNAB?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You should have a biopsy of this under ultrasound guidance.  Benign exophytic thyroid nodules are not uncommon, particularly in this position.

[senka63]

I have solitary large nearly completely exophytic nodule orginating the lower pole region of the left lobe of the thyroid at 38mm.My blood work for tsh freet4 and t3 is normal.
by senka 63,jun 20,2009  6:10pm

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

A good biopsy is needed, particularly with the radiation treatment.
Would not usually go directly to surgery in this case, unless repeat FNA fails to obtain sufficient cells -- then consider surgery.
Usually we wait 3 months to repeat, but I have repeated these in 6 weeks.
The eggshell calcification can be difficult to penetrate but is possible.