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Autoimmune - Chronic thyroiditis

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease or chronic  thyroiditis two month ago.  All probably related to autoimmune problem for sometime, treated late.

I had a sonogram, came out with nodules and cysts within the nodule.  My doctor then me done a biopsy.  It came inconclusive.  Now my doctor order another biopsy reaffirm (?).

I made the appointment and asked the secretary and she said “it is the same procedure but this time the results are sent to USA for analysis.”

I have read that it is rare to get cancer in the nodules in the thyroid.

My doctor said something about a 3, phase three?

Should I be worried?

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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
It's true that thyroid cancer is relatively rare.  Less than 5% of all nodules turn out to be cancerous.

There's a system of scoring thyroid nodules, called "TI-RADS".  Without more information, I can only assume your doctor is saying that your nodule is a TI-RAD 3 on a scale of 1-5.  

A TI-RAD 3, typically means the nodule is "probably" benign (< 5% chance of being cancer).  That means it has a score of zero.   Often a "wait and watch" approach is taken with this type of nodule.  

It's only when the nodule reaches TI-RAD 4 that they get into sub-categories, a, b, and c.

If you can get a copy of the actual biopsy report and post it here, that would be very helpful as then we'd be able to see exactly what your doctor was referring to.  If you're in the U.S., you're entitled to a copy of the report if you ask for it.
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3 Comments
I asked my doctor “do I have cancer?” (Honestly I was expecting a NO you do not).

He answered: it says here .. you have an ATypical nodule no 3.  The results are inconclusive.  We have to do another biopsy to re-affirm.

Anyway I am going to stay positive and wait.  Next time I do leave the doctors office without a copy of my results.

Thank you Barb!

By the way described by the sonogram my nodule is full of small cysts

Is that common?  If it is typical I will definitely be extra positive :)
Just because you have an "atypical" nodule, doesn't mean you have cancer.  I would agree that you should have another biopsy to try to confirm but there's a good chance it will come back inconclusive, as well.

Thyroid nodules are common.  Nodules that are cystic have a much lower chance of being cancer because most cysts are filled with fluid, although it's possible for them to contain solid material as well.  

I think you're doing the right thing, by staying positive and trying to relax.  I also agree that you should always get copies of your reports - or go online and get them from the patient portal if your doctor has one.
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