What Causes Cystic Thyroid Nodules?
Question: I am a 33 y/o female with autoimmune disease. I had an u/s on my thyroid and this was the report:
Findings: "There is a 6mm mid to lower pole probable cyst with debris. A well defined 6mm focus with some internal echoes. The gland is hyper vascular in character overall, homogenous in echo texture otherwise and not enlarged. The remainder is unremarkable. The right lobe 5.5 x 1.6 x 1.7cm, the left 4.8 x 1.3 x 1.4cm. The isthmus 3mm AP diameter."
Impression: "Probable cyst with debris mid to lower pole right lobe of thyroid. Mildly hyper vascular thyroid gland diffusely without enlargement."
Dr. says I am flip-flopping between hypo and hyperthyroidism and have hypothyroidism. He is starting me on Armour. My labs show almost every one of my body systems are out of balance. Suddenly I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides and I am average weight and height with no history of cholesterol problems. He does not think I need to biopsy the cyst. I'd like to have a second opinion and more explanation on what the radiologist report means. Thank you!
Findings: "There is a 6mm mid to lower pole probable cyst with debris. A well defined 6mm focus with some internal echoes. The gland is hyper vascular in character overall, homogenous in echo texture otherwise and not enlarged. The remainder is unremarkable. The right lobe 5.5 x 1.6 x 1.7cm, the left 4.8 x 1.3 x 1.4cm. The isthmus 3mm AP diameter."
Impression: "Probable cyst with debris mid to lower pole right lobe of thyroid. Mildly hyper vascular thyroid gland diffusely without enlargement."
Dr. says I am flip-flopping between hypo and hyperthyroidism and have hypothyroidism. He is starting me on Armour. My labs show almost every one of my body systems are out of balance. Suddenly I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides and I am average weight and height with no history of cholesterol problems. He does not think I need to biopsy the cyst. I'd like to have a second opinion and more explanation on what the radiologist report means. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
You need follow up USG scan.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Cystic thyroid nodules (CTN) are very common and debris inside it may be due to proteinaceous debris,foamy histiocytes,blood etc.It may be due to hemorrhagic degeneration of hyperplastic regions of the thyroid parenchyma.
It is the most likely reason because you have history of thyroiditis.
Your doctor is not in favour of biopsy may be due to its small size.
Most likely it is a benign finding as it is small in size but you need follow up scan to increase in size.
Mildly hyper vascular thyroid is due to thyroiditis.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
You need follow up USG scan.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Cystic thyroid nodules (CTN) are very common and debris inside it may be due to proteinaceous debris,foamy histiocytes,blood etc.It may be due to hemorrhagic degeneration of hyperplastic regions of the thyroid parenchyma.
It is the most likely reason because you have history of thyroiditis.
Your doctor is not in favour of biopsy may be due to its small size.
Most likely it is a benign finding as it is small in size but you need follow up scan to increase in size.
Mildly hyper vascular thyroid is due to thyroiditis.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your reply. It has definitely set my mind at ease. I was left with wondering how he knew it wasn't cancerous and whether the Armour would be the best choice for me. What is your opinion of Armour vs. a synthetic hormone such as Synthroid? My doctor already said I'd have another USG in 6 months and blood work again at 6 weeks. He said my T4 doesn't appear to be converting to T3 as it should. He also suggested I take 4000 IUs of D3 a day along with my current vitamin regimen of a women's daily vitamin, a probiotic, an Omega3, and a herbal supplement for my thyroid and adrenal gland. Any other suggestions you might make regarding lifestyle/dietary changes? I am a very active person (except lately when I have been feeling so poorly) and I am very concerned about gaining weight with the hormone supplement. Thank you again!
XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for your reply. It has definitely set my mind at ease. I was left with wondering how he knew it wasn't cancerous and whether the Armour would be the best choice for me. What is your opinion of Armour vs. a synthetic hormone such as Synthroid? My doctor already said I'd have another USG in 6 months and blood work again at 6 weeks. He said my T4 doesn't appear to be converting to T3 as it should. He also suggested I take 4000 IUs of D3 a day along with my current vitamin regimen of a women's daily vitamin, a probiotic, an Omega3, and a herbal supplement for my thyroid and adrenal gland. Any other suggestions you might make regarding lifestyle/dietary changes? I am a very active person (except lately when I have been feeling so poorly) and I am very concerned about gaining weight with the hormone supplement. Thank you again!
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
You only need follow up scan.If there is any doubt then FNAC/thyroid scan can be done.
I suggest my patients to take synthroid tablets.It will replete your peripheral T4 level,which is available form for our body.
You don't worry about weight gain. Synthyroid will not cause weight gain,in fact not taking thyroid supplementation in hypothyroid cases causes obesity.
You should continue other supplementation like vitamin D.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
You only need follow up scan.If there is any doubt then FNAC/thyroid scan can be done.
I suggest my patients to take synthroid tablets.It will replete your peripheral T4 level,which is available form for our body.
You don't worry about weight gain. Synthyroid will not cause weight gain,in fact not taking thyroid supplementation in hypothyroid cases causes obesity.
You should continue other supplementation like vitamin D.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks! I'm excited about feeling better soon! It's been a long time coming! Thank you again for your time and thorough answers! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your comments.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for your comments.
Don't worry.You will be fine.
Get well soon.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Thanks for your comments.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for your comments.
Don't worry.You will be fine.
Get well soon.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj