Gioter and/or microcalcification

[Terry5557]

Is a goiter and microcalcification the same thing? I have had a goiter about 10 years, but it was no problem via an FNA. Now, by US, I have been told there is microcalcification present. Is this different than just the goiter itself? My newest dr., an endocrinologist, wants to do another FNA. Just a lot of questions about nodules, goiters, microcalcifications, etc. Symptons? A bit of trouble swallowing...feeling a bit run down...

Thanks for any and all answers.

[Terry5557]

Thanks MANmom....your answer was very helpful. (sorry about the late reply) I have read that the FNA may have a 5-10% false read. Some drs. might go ahead and remove part of the thyroid, or so I have read about one doing that. I suppose I have to trust dr. Waiting is the hardest part.

[MANmom]

Goiter simply means that there is a nodule or nodules present.  Nodules can be solid or fluid/cystic or a combination of the two.  Solid nodules can be benign or cancerous, so can solid/cystic mixed.  Calcifications means that there are hard, solid areas that show up on the ultrasound and could be of concern.  Most times cancerous nodules have vascularity, cancer needs a blood supply to grow. They should be further investigated, expecially if you are having swallowing difficulties, it may need to be removed.