Nodules

[Nese222]

How do you know when a nodule is cancer without having the surgry? I have nodules too! Sorry if it is a stupid question.

Here is my case!
Ultrasound:
Right Thyroid gland measures 5.9 x 2.23 x 1.4 cm volume of 10 cc.
                        Three nodules within the right throid gland measuring 0.9x0.4x0.3 thats the largest on the other two are smaller.  

The thyroid isthmus measure 0.5cm in thickness and contains a single tiny nodule measuring 0.4cm in greatest dimension.

Left Thyroid gland measures 5.5x1.9x1.4 cm volume of 7.4 cc.
                        Two nodules within left thyroid gland.  Largest in the upper pole measures 0.6 in dimension.

[Nese222]

O boy.  So I should get a further evaluation then.  I was not told anything as far as cystic, soldi, or complex.... The ultrasound didn't specify any of that and nor has the doctor said anything.  I can't seem to find a doctor that's good.  I have already been to two and am on my way to the third one next week.  Hopefully this doctor will listen to me this time.

[utahmomma]

Did they say if the nodules are cystic, solid, or complex?  That can give a better indication of whether or not the nodules are suspicious.

As for being able to tell if the nodules are cancerous or not . . . sorry.  The only way to tell 100% if they are cancerous or not is to remove them and send them out for pathology.  Sometimes you can get "lucky" and get a preliminary "cancerous" diagnosis from a FNA (fine needle aspirate or biopsy) but there is no way to confirm that a "benign" biopsy result is, in fact, benign is to remove the gland.   I had two sisters with benign FNAs and both had cancer.

Wish there was an easier way to find out but there isn't.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03