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What Does This CT Scan Of Thyroid Gland Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 16 Feb 2015

Question: I got a CT Scan for my upcoming heart surgery and it showed multinodular changes are presen tin the isthmus of the throid glad. The largest hypodens nodule measures 1.2cm. What does this mean and is it cancer and will it affect my Aortic Valve Replacement surgery and heart arythiumays (SP)? Please let me know.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nodule in thyroid need further investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Your findings suggests multiple nodules in isthmus region of thyroid gland.Largest nodule measures 1.2 cm.
Generally it doesn't mean cancer.This condition need further evaluation like thyroid profile.USG guided FNAC can be done for proper assessment of nodule.
Thyroid scan can be done if needed.
Proper treatment depend upon findings.

Investigations can only assess whether nodule is hyperactive or not.Even if it is causing toxicity due to hyperactivity,it can be managed by medicines.There shouldn't be any problem in operation.This is a manageable condition.

Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (6 hours later)

I have heard it could be tied to goiter and what is that and would it affect my heart functions and be the reason my bi cupsid aortic valve deteriorated and will these nodules going forward hurt a replacement aortic mechanical valve?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Goiter is enlarged thyroid gland.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Goiter is a condition related to enlarged thyroid gland and nodule may cause enlargement of thyroid gland.
It is important to assess functional status of thyroid gland means it is causing toxicity or not.
Functional status of thyroid nodule can be assessed by clinical examination,thyroid profile and thyroid scan.

Toxic thyroid nodule may cause heart problem but it can be controlled by medicines.Don't worry about future toxicity to replaced heart valve.
First let the investigations complete.
Your condition can be managed.

Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (3 minutes later)

I got an appt with my doctor tomorrow who is internal medicine and will get labs and ask for ultrasound with biopsy. Thanks and you have not seem affects of thyroid with valve replacement?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Next step is USG guided FNAC.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes,next step is USG guided FNAC.
It willn't cause future toxicity to heart valve.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (6 minutes later)

Can you explain what is a use guided test let me know

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is ultrasound guided FNAC.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

It is ultrasound guided FNAC.Radiologist directly observe the lesions under ultrasound(USG).
Radiologists then guide the pathologists for taking FNAC.Small needle is inserted within the lesion after anaesthesia and small tissue is taken out.It is then fixed over the slide and seen under the microscope.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (11 minutes later)

I know this is question for my doc but I am going on Coumadin after heart surgery wouldn't it be better to get biopsy before surgery? Do you have to be asleep for procedure? What happens with surgery and heart valves and surgery especially if emergent

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nodules should be assessed before surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes,nodule should be assessed before surgery.Treatment for nodule should start before heart surgery.
Coumadin is routinely prescribed after heart surgery,there shouldn't be any problem.

There is no need of general anesthesia for the FNAC procedure.FNAC is done under local anesthesia.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar