Is another biopsy needed for the thyroid nodule despite the prior benign result?

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism a few years ago. I have maintained a healthy lifestyle with no weight issues, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or alcohol consumption. I am currently 47 years old and have not required any medication for my thyroid condition. I have made lifestyle changes to improve my thyroid function, such as using a water filter to reduce chlorine exposure, following a thyroid-friendly diet by avoiding foods that can negatively impact the thyroid, practicing yoga, and supplementing my diet with iodine by adding kelp to my meals a few times a week. Eight years ago, I had a thyroid scan as a baseline examination for a new endocrinologist. The thyroid scan revealed the following findings: The right thyroid lobe measured 4.5 x 1.4 x 1.8 cm, while the left lobe measured 4.4 x 1.3 x 1.9 cm. Multiple nodules were present in the mid to upper right lobe, and one nodule was identified in the upper left lobe. Notably, the largest nodule, measuring 7 x 5 mm, exhibited vascularity. Additionally, there was mild diffuse inhomogeneity in the thyroid gland parenchyma on both sides. The impression from the scan pointed to a 7 mm nodule in the left upper lobe with vascularity. The report recommended the consideration of fine-needle aspiration if necessary, or alternatively, a short-term follow-up thyroid ultrasound. Furthermore, parenchymal inhomogeneity was noted, along with the presence of four small discrete nodules in the right thyroid, with the largest measuring 6 x 4 mm, indicative of a multinodular goiter.

A biopsy of the vascular large nodule was performed and found to be benign. However, during a recent scan around one year and ten months after the initial scan, it was observed that the nodule with a previous benign biopsy had grown to 12 mm. My question is whether you believe it is necessary to perform another biopsy on this growing nodule. Please help.

Thank you.