Thyroid nodule 6 years post-radiation

balance

I recently had a thyroid ultrasound as part of a work-up for what appears to be a sub-acute throiditis. The ultrasound showed a 1.2 cm nodule with a small focus of calcification in the right lower pole with recommendation for fine needle biopsy. I confirmed with my radiation oncologist that the right lower pole of my thyroid was in the radiation field. Now I'm trying very hard not to freak out...but that's what am doing. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

moth

I had nodules on my thyroid (still have them) *before* I got dx with bc. In fact, I had half my thyroid removed because several fine needle biopsies couldn't rule out malignancy. Turned out benign after all and the other half of my thyroid still has nodules which we just watch & monitor with u/s every 12-24 months.

I found out during that whole experience that a) nodules on the thyroid are super common; b) most turn out benign; c) on the rare occasion they're not, thyroid malignancies are usually very treatable & have some of the best odds in the oncology world.

Hope that gives you something good to hang on to.

balance

Moth - Thank you for your prompt reassuring response.

avmom

I, too, had thyroid nodules that likely predated my BC diagnosis, but showed up in staging imaging (CT or MRI, can’t remember which). I had two biopsies during chemo and were adjudged benign. My MO says that many, many people over 50 have thyroid nodules, mostly benign or easily treatable, and without symptoms for lots of people.

I have an ultrasound annually to monitor the nodules. So far, so good.

Avmom

momand2kids

Hi I had a nodule on my thyroid 5 years post cancer--- I don't think it is related to my breast radiation as that was under my breast... anyway, in my case it was malignant and I ended up having my thyroid removed and am on synthroid... Every single doctor I saw during that time told me that this was 100% curable and almost no recurrences.... I had a pretty low level type.... so I was lucky--- I see an endocrinologist 1X per year and have an ultrasound. generally 95% of these things are benign.... fingers crossed...

balance

Avmom and momand2kids thanks so much for sharing your experiences i am feeling calmer now. Momand2kids - I live in R, I but having previously lived in MA. Most of my doctors are in the Boston area. The endocrinologist I saw was Dr. Nou and I'm being referred to Dr. Sacks for the biopsy. Just wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing who you're being followed by. PM me if you like. Thanks.

balance

Biopsy of thyroid nodule on 8/30. Fingers crossed.

marijen

balance, please read this article carefully. It’s the best I’ve found on thyroid nodules. I’ve been in a wait and watch mode for two years with two small nodules after radiation. Good luck with your biopsy results!

https://www.curetoday.com/publications/cure/2018/s...

balance

Thanks Marjen. It was very informative.

marijen

balance, did the article help you feel less worried? Will you let us know your biopsy results?

balance

Yes. Thank you. I will post my results when I receive them. I was told to expect them next Wed./Thurs. Fingers crossed!

balance

The biopsy results were non-diagnostic so I have to go back for a repeat biopsy:(.

marijen

Sorry balance, that’s a disappointment. Welcome to the Watch and Wait Club!

Thanks for the update. I did meet someone today who had two parathyroids removed, she feels so much better, like awake.

balance

Went back today. The lesion looked much smaller and not very concerning. So they did not repeat the biopsy. I will have a follow up ultrasound in 1 year 😀.