What Do Punctate Calcifications In A Multinodular Goiter Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 4 Oct 2017

Question: I was asked to do a biopsy for a nontoxic multinodular goiter. I had a biopsy done several years ago that was benign. The new Ultrasound shows the same nodule with punctate calcifications what does this mean. Can a benign nodule turn cancerous?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Benign nodule

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking

Calcification means : Small flecks of calcium within a thyroid nodule, usually seen as small bright spots on ultrasonography. These are frequently seen in nodules containing papillary thyroid cancer.

Usually a benign nodules it's dangerous only when he gets symptomatic,but always exists a small potential of getting malignant

The biopsy it's the right test to know exactly the nature of this nodul now

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (3 hours later)

Can you clarify what you meant on the 2nd paragraph about the benign nodules. And what does the brief answer mean? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Esmeralda Sera (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nontoxic multi nodular goiter biopsy

Detailed Answer:
HI

A benign nodule in general does not have tendency to become malignant. Generally, they become problematic when they cause symptoms like become enlarged, become painful, etc.
However, there is a small potential for the benign nodule 2-5 percent to return to malignancy

The brief answer mean that you had a benign nontoxic multinodular goiter

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana