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Had Thyroid Lobectomy, Trying To Concieve. Is Treatment For Existing Thyroid Nodule Safe During Pregnancy?
I am 38 years old. About eight years ago, when I was about seven months pregnant, I was diagnosed with a large thyroid nodule . Several biopsies later ( and many years) I had a thyroid lobectomy . Tis was three years ago. I am not on any thyroid medication. I have a few nodules / cysts in the hyoid I have left. I am thinking of having another baby but I am worried that the growth hormone will cause the existing nodules to grow. What are the chances of this? The original cyst was 6cm in diameter and I did not have it before I was pregnant. If the nodules did grow, would treatment during pregnancy be safe? Thank you. Karen
Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Hi,
There can be a slight increase in thyroid gland size during pregnancy. That is due to the effect of placental HCG hormone of pregnancy. This increase in size is mild and may not happen at all.
If there is an increase in size you may require a biopsy. Current recommendation is to do surgery only if there is an invasive cancer - or else you can wait. Having a nodule doesn't offer an increased risk in pregnancy. So go ahead. Good luck!
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Consultant Endocrinologist
There can be a slight increase in thyroid gland size during pregnancy. That is due to the effect of placental HCG hormone of pregnancy. This increase in size is mild and may not happen at all.
If there is an increase in size you may require a biopsy. Current recommendation is to do surgery only if there is an invasive cancer - or else you can wait. Having a nodule doesn't offer an increased risk in pregnancy. So go ahead. Good luck!
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Consultant Endocrinologist
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