Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Diagnosed With Enlargement Of Thyroid Lobe,lump Visible. FNAC Normal, TFS Normal. Remove Surgically? Use Treatment?
Question: I am 62M. Diagnosed with enlargement of left thyroid lobe and have no physical discomfort. FNAC indicated no malignancy. TFS normal. The lump is visible and it developed most probably during last two years. Should I have it surgically removed or could I wait and watch? Is there any other treatment?
You most likely have a thyroid nodule which statistically has a 90% chance of being benign in general. However, the presence of other risk factors changes this figure. Details are available on this web link
WWW.WWWW.WW
So for example if one has a family history of thyroid cancer or history of radiation exposure, then greater vigilance is warranted in managing this condition. In the low risk scenario, some people opt to monitor it with periodic ultrasound to see if it is growing significantly. It should be noted that even benign nodules grow.
WWW.WWWW.WW
This web link facilitates online calculation of the growth trend of thyroid nodule(s) over time. Any interval increase of more than 50% indicates the need to consider either an FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) or a repeat FNA or surgical removal.
The practice of using thyroid medication to suppress the growth of thyroid nodules is now not recommended anymore as recent evidence has shown it is not as effective as previously thought.
Radioactive iodine ablation is not a commonly deployed option either.
The decision making in this regard is best made in consultation with a thyroid expert who periodically monitors the nodule and individually assess risk factors.
WWW.WWWW.WW
So for example if one has a family history of thyroid cancer or history of radiation exposure, then greater vigilance is warranted in managing this condition. In the low risk scenario, some people opt to monitor it with periodic ultrasound to see if it is growing significantly. It should be noted that even benign nodules grow.
WWW.WWWW.WW
This web link facilitates online calculation of the growth trend of thyroid nodule(s) over time. Any interval increase of more than 50% indicates the need to consider either an FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) or a repeat FNA or surgical removal.
The practice of using thyroid medication to suppress the growth of thyroid nodules is now not recommended anymore as recent evidence has shown it is not as effective as previously thought.
Radioactive iodine ablation is not a commonly deployed option either.
The decision making in this regard is best made in consultation with a thyroid expert who periodically monitors the nodule and individually assess risk factors.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
