Can mixed spongiform thyroid nodules be malignant ?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a female, 32 years old. I do not understand what my ultrasound report means. My gynecologist and PCP both felt a large mass on the right side of thyroid and told me that they have to refer me out and I need another biopsy. The last biopsy was a year back and it was benign. It was a solid dense nodule measuring 1.3 cm.

All thyroid tests are normal. Can mixed spongiform nodules be malignant if they are hypoechoic, vascular, lobular and with peripheral calcification? I cannot find anything regarding other abnormal feature with mixed spongiform nodules.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from what you have mentioned it appears that you have a thyroid nodule. According to the guidelines, if the nodule is more than 75 % of spongiform appearance, then they are benign and if less than 75% then there is a chance of malignancy which must be confirmed by FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology).

In your ultrasound, there is no percentage depiction of the spongiform portion. Secondly, the malignant nodule has hypoechogenicity and microcalcifications which is present in your report. Please, it is my advice to you to not come to any conclusion before an FNAC.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Naturally, it is an extra tissue which takes up blood supply. It is not a definitive criteria based on blood flow and the height pattern. Yes, the spongiform nodule can be lobular.

Thank you.