Does my mom’s thyroid nodule USG suggest cancer risk at 62?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mom is a 62-year-old diabetic patient. The following details are her thyroid gland ultrasonography report. The thyroid gland is in the normal position. The size of the thyroid gland is increased and extends to the substernal area.

In the right lobe of the thyroid gland, there is a cystic degeneration area of 32 x 26 mm, and there is a heterogeneous hypoechoic solid nodule containing calcifications. Also, there is a 6 mm diameter solid hyperechoic nodule. In the left lobe of the thyroid gland, there is a 5 x 10 mm hypoechoic solid nodule.

Both of the thyroid gland parenchyma structures have a homogeneous appearance. Neck soft tissue is in normal view. No detection of pathologic lymph node. The main vascular structures are in normal view.

The results are substernal goiter and thyroid nodules identified. The thyroid test revealed TSH 0 607 mIU/L, normal 0.27 - 4.2 mIU/L; FT4 1 64 ng/dL, normal 0.9 - 1.7, and FT3 3.72 pg/mL, normal 2 - 4.4 pg/mL. Based on the above, what is the risk of thyroid cancer?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The risk of cancer cannot be determined exactly. However, the hypoechoic nodule, age, and calcification are somewhat in favor of malignancy. Ultrasonography of the thyroid is not a sure test to diagnose malignancy.

I would rather do FNAC (fine needle aspiration ) from both the nodules of the right and left lobes and then comment whether it is malignant or not. It is a simple procedure and can be done as an OPD procedure (outpatient department). I would advise not to prejudge the condition and not panic.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.