What Does This Thyroid Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 28 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a 3 mm hyperechoic thyroid nodule and my TSH is 3.03. I cannot get in to see my dr until next week and am very concerned about cancer.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is too small to get worried.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern but there is no reason to get worried.

A 3 mm nodule is considered very small.
Usually, when the nodule is under 1 cm, it is recommended to be followed up with ultrasound every 6 months.

If the nodule is below 1 cm but has 2 or more suspicious characteristics in ultrasound or if you have a strong family history for familiar thyroid cancer then FNAC is indicated.

Regarding to TSH level it is within the normal levels , it means that the thyroid gland functions normally.

Will be a pleasure to answer your further questions.

Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (19 minutes later)

So the hyperechoic does not seen concerning? Also, I read on the XXXXXXX Thyroid Association website that high normal TSH is more suggestive of malignancy?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hyperechoic nodules are considered benign.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Hyperechoic is a characteristic of benign nodules.

A 3 mm, hyperechoic lesion has almost 0% chances to be malignant. So there is no reason to get worried.

Usually, if a nodule is hot, it means if it is overactive or it produces too much hormones (confirmed with low TSH and high Ft4 and Ft3) , has lower chances to be malignant.

In your case, I would recommend a follow up with ultrasound after 6 months.

Wishing you good health,
Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee