Thyroid Nodule

[Jackie11216]

A 2.3cm nodule was discovered on the lower pole of my left thyroid lobe incidentally on a chest CT scan a couple of months ago. I have since had an ultrasound and a core needle biopsy. My doctor said the results of the biopsy were nondiagnostic and recommended I see an endocrinologist. The report follows.

Microscopic Diagnosis: Left lobe thyroid nodule biopsy: Striated muscle and two tiny pieces of thyroid tissue. One of which showing follicles surrounded by hyalinized stroma. See comment.

Comment: The piece of tissue with follicles surrounded by hyalinized stroma could represent either a fragment of adenomatoid nodule or neoplastic lesion with degenerative changes, however, the small nature of the pieces of tissue precludes further evaluation. If clinically indicated, rebiopsy is recommended.

Is this report non-diagnostic and what is your opinion on the next step? A scan, another needle biopsy?

Thank you, J

[898]

Core biopsy is usually done for follicular adenomas to make sure that it is not follicular variant of paillary cancer; in most other cases FNA is sufficient

[KD9ER]

I'd say ask for an FNA.  I have a cyst that has been aspirated so many times it went solid.  I've never had the Core Biopsy done and it was recommended the FNA be done due to location and look of nodule.  It takes a few passes (I've had up to 7 in one sitting), but it's worth it to have a better read.

Good luck!

-K

[Jackie11216]

Thanks for the response. That was the description of this nodule on the ultrasound, complex solid/cystic nodule. The reason for the core needle ultrasound guided biopsy was because it was suppose to give a more definitive diagnosis than a fine needle aspiration. Apparently not, oh well.

[898]

It looks like the needle used for core biopsy missed the center part of nodule and just touched it. From the description as far as I can understand they suspecting the nodule that undergoes cystic degeneration [resulting in complex nodule , cyst with solid matter]
Some doctors are aspirating the fluid first then trying to get sample from the solid part next, or using high sensetive ultrasound in order to get sample from the solid portion.