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Ultrasound Results

There is a history of thyroid disease in siblings and my mother.  Just had an ultrasound that said:  "Right lobe is 4.0 x 1.9 x 2.7 cm and left is 4.0 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm.  Both lobes are globular and prominent.  Normal isthmus.  Non-homogeneous echoes with slight areas of patchy nodularity.  Fairly well-circumscribed soft tissue density 2.5 x 1.5 x 2.3 cm in size in mid portion of left lobe.  Areas shows increased echogenicity with areas of small sonolucency.  This appears to be fairly well delineated and could represent a possible thyroid adenoma.  Areas of poorly defined nodularity in the remaining left and right lobes.  Possibility of multi-nodular goiter with one dominant lesion on the left would have to be considered.  Adjacent soft tissue structures appear normal.  Nuclear thyroid scan recommended for further evaluation and to exclude possibility of malignant lesion in the left lobe."

I am told one sibling had cancer and had one lobe removed.  Mother had her thyroid "nuked".  Another sister has nodules and is awaiting testing.  I'm not entirely sure what the above results mean.  I have an uptake/scan scheduled at the end of the week and have an appointment with an endocrinologist.  I'd feel less anxious if I understood what I'm facing.  Can you explain what the ultrasound report is saying?  Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Right on the money, doc!  I saw an endocrinologist and she did the thyroid antibodies.  I do have Hashimoto's and she placed me on 75 mcg of Synthroid.  No problems with side effects thus far (about a week).

I am scheduled for a FNA biopsy of that nodule on May 2.  The absolute worst part of all of this is the waiting.  The tests, procedures, and possible surgery are not what get me upset.  Each time I hear I have to wait a couple of weeks for another test, I find myself coming emotionally unglued.  Completely illogical.
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205009 tn?1218559728
Hi!  Not a doc but just went thru the same myself.  I had an FNA of nodules on both sides of my thyroid.  The 1st path read was one nodule clear of cancer and one suspicious.  Instead of surgery I requested a 2nd pathology read.  That one came back with both nodules clear from cancer.  My doc now monitors me every 4-6 months with an ultrasound to check growth, etc.  I did not have to have surgery.
My non-cancerous nodules have caused my hormone levels to be off and I am on thyroid medicine now.  Problems with non-cancerous can vary and include hoarseness (how they found mine), pain swallowing.  Not sure of the rest but I am sure someone on here can inform you or you can look up thyroid nodules on the web.  I hope this has been of some help and good luck to you and your family!  :)
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Avatar universal
Thanks, Dr. Lupo.  The thyroid blood work my primary did was in normal range.  I don't know exactly what tests she performed.  I did find out that one sister has Hashimoto's.  

If FNA reveals the nodule is not cancer, is surgery usually performed to remove that lobe anyway?  Can a non-cancerous nodule cause problems?
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97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Would test TSH - if normal (likley) - next step is FNA.  The scan is not likely to add much to the evaluation (unless TSH is low).  Would also test thyroid antibodies as the family history and ultrasound description (non-homogeneity) suggests autoimmune thyroid disease (ie, Hashimoto's).  The left 2.5cm nodule will likely need an FNA biopsy -- but only 5-10% of nodules are cancer.
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