hypothyroidism ...cancer

[RMK1204]

I had a Nuclear medicine thyroid scan and uptake done after a ultrasound showed I had over 14 nodules also following a fine needle aspiration. The test was done with 325 uci of iodine-123 via capsules four and 24 hour uptakes were performed. The 4 hr uptake is 2.4% with the 24- hour uptake at 3.1% they stated the normal uptake values of 4 hers is 5 to 15%, & 24 he is 7.5 to 30% . They also stated these uptakes suggest hypothyroidism and the scan is a low count scan that is mildly heterogeneous. And since I showed prior to the test subtle nodular densities in each thyroid gland with prominent hypoechoic areas in the left gland particularly that they suspect I would benefit from a biopsy. I'm 53 year old female and am concerned about cancer even thou the fine needle aspirations was done one one nodule showed non cancerous. What are the worries with these results that they feel I should need this biopsy?

[Barb135]

The scope will determine whether or not there's a nodule causing particular difficulty, but you'll still need the biopsy to rule out cancer.  

I wouldn't want to be in doubt any longer than necessary.

Wishing your the best, and please let us know how it turns out.

[RMK1204]

Thank you  for your help ,I do admit it does scare me especially since I know nothing about my biological father. I do have a swallowing scope  scheduled tomorrow to see if any nodules are blocking my path. And I believe the biopsy would make me feel more sure then them just monitoring it for a few months.

[Barb135]

They are probably looking at the fact that some of the nodules are heterogeneous, which means that their characteristics are not uniform.

You have only one thyroid gland that consists of right and left lobes and an isthmus. Many/most of us have nodules on our thyroid gland and they are of no concern; hypoechoic nodules are more likely to cancerous.  Less than 5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous and while cancer is scary for everyone, thyroid cancer is treated by removal of the thyroid, or in some cases, just one lobe.

Removal of your thyroid gland will leave you with hypothyroidism and dependent on thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of your life. Many of us have no thyroid activity because of Hashimoto's, so we, too are dependent on replacement hormones.

I would recommend that you have the biopsy to confirm/rule out cancer and to put your mind at rest.