can beningn thyroid nodule become malignant cancer?

Question

1) say biopsy shows nodule is benign, fine, but how do i know this will not turn into malignant cancer in future ?

2) should i be repeating biopsy every month or what?

3) and can (numerous) biopsies get the nodule become malignant?

4) anyone whose biopsy detected benign nodule but this ended up being malignant cancer after some time?

Answer 1

This is controversial. Nodules called benign have later proved malignant. Was this a transformation or a misdiagnosis? Nobody can be certain,

These investigators say yes:

"Our review supports the process of malignant transformation in a benign thyroid nodule."

http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/racs/abstract.asp?id=20285

I am a physician. I generally recommend that even benign thyroid nodules be removed for just this reason. Repeated biopsies are expensive, time consuming and not risk-free (bleeding, infection). Plus, they still might not prevent a cancer death. With removal, you are buying peace of mind.

Biopsies are NOT thought to cause malignant transformation or to seed metastases as is commonly thought. It is impossible to prove this, but there is no reliable evidence to support that hypothesis, just speculation and a logical possibility.

Answer 2

1. You can't know that because even simple MNG(multi nodular goitre) can turn malignant if left for long enough. Another method is to look at it by U/S and check if it shows signs of malignancy but again it is not a fool proof method.

2. Thats just silly.(no offense!!)

3. No. Chronic irritation leading to malignant change is over many years, not a few pokes.

4. Yes, of course. Either the lump was malignant to begin with and not detected by the biopsy or it turned malignant later.

The biopsy type done for thyroid lumps is FNA (fine needle aspiration), therefore if you have say a lump 2x2 cm in size, I'm not going to poke every little bit of the lump. I'll sample the most suggestive or accessible part based on palpation or U/S guide. This may miss the malignant area at times.

My personal choice is to assess the lump based on the history, examination and if needed imaging. I usually offer FNA or hemithyroidectomy to those i feel warrant intervention, going more towards excision on my part, but thats my personal opinion.

Answer 3

The thyroid gland is located on the front of the throat, below the Adam’s apple. It contains 2 lobes that lie on the two area of the windpipe, joined in front by using an isthmus. The thyroid gland secretes hormones to alter many metabolic methods, consisting of growth and potential expenditure. Hypothyroidism skill the thyroid gland is underactive and fails to secrete sufficient hormones into the bloodstream. This reasons the guy’s metabolism to decelerate.

Answer 4

Even benign thyroid nodules are surgically removed