I have been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, what happens next?
A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid which is a gland located in the lower front of the neck between the "Adam's apple" and the collarbone. Thyroid nodules are quite common and occasionally several nodules will develop in the same person. The vast majority of these nodules are benign (not cancerous) but any time a nodule is discovered, malignancy (cancer) must be considered.
The first step in evalution of a thyroid nodule is to have blood drawn for a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level which evaluates your thyroid function. Provided that this test is normal, the next step is a thyroid ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to obtain pictures of the thyroid gland. These images are used to characterize the nodule (or nodules) by getting precise measurements and revealing features which may be either reassuring or concerning.
Based on the size and characteristics of the thyroid nodule, a decision will be made as to whether a fine needle biopsy of the nodule is warranted. This procedure involves making several passes through the nodule with a needle and sending the collected cells to a pathologist to review. Lidocaine is used to numb the area and ultrasound is often used to help guide the needle placement. About 10-20% of biopsy specimens are inconclusive or inadequate meaning that the pathologist is unable to determine whether or not the sample is benign or malignant. This is more common with nodules that are cystic (fluid filled) because it is more difficult to get enough thyroid cells. If the results are inconclusive, a determination will be made as to whether a repeat biopsy vs. surgical removal of the nodule is necessary.
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1721 East 19th Ave. Suite 454
Denver, CO 80218
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(303) 228-1240
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