What percentage of indeterminate thyroid nodules are cancerous?

Thyroid nodule: an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid. While most thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (Benign), ~5\% are cancerous.

What does it mean when you have a lesion on your thyroid?

Thyroid gland Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules aren’t serious and don’t cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.

Why would I need a second thyroid biopsy?

You will probably need surgical treatment if your nodule appears cancerous. Luckily, most thyroid cancers are curable. Sometimes, the pathologist cannot determine for sure whether your nodule is cancer. In this case, your healthcare provider might recommend a repeat biopsy or surgery.

What does indeterminate mean on a thyroid biopsy?

Summary. About 25\% of the time when we biopsy a thyroid nodule, we will diagnose it as an “indeterminate thyroid nodule.” This is when the cells do not look completely benign but also do not look absolutely cancerous.

What is benign follicular nodule?

Benign follicular nodule is a term pathologists use to describe a group of non-cancerous conditions in the thyroid gland. This diagnosis is usually made after a procedure called a fine-needle aspiration or FNA.

When do thyroid nodules need to be removed?

Generally, benign thyroid nodules do not need to be removed unless they are causing symptoms like choking or difficulty swallowing. Follow up ultrasound exams are important. Occasionally, another biopsy may be required in the future, especially if the nodule grows over time.

What are the treatment options for a benign thyroid nodule?

This usually means having a physical exam and thyroid function tests at regular intervals. It may also include an ultrasound. You’re also likely to have another biopsy if the nodule grows larger. If a benign thyroid nodule remains unchanged, you may never need treatment. Thyroid hormone therapy.

What are the chances of a thyroid nodule being cancerous?

Nodules in this grey area have a 5-30\% chance of containing a thyroid cancer. In the past, we would perform surgery on all indeterminate thyroid nodules to avoid missing a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, many patients found out after surgery that their thyroid nodule was actually benign.

When is thyroid surgery necessary?

Duke doctors perform thyroid surgery on a patient at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland if it’s overactive, has grown very large, or has nodules, cysts or other growths that are—or could be—cancerous.

What is benign follicular nodular nodule?

Benign follicular nodule is a term pathologists use to describe a group of non-cancerous conditions. All the conditions in this group are made up of cells that look similar when examined under the microscope. Nodular thyroid hyperplasia – Nodular thyroid hyperplasia is a non-cancerous type of growth involving the thyroid gland.