Thyroid gland and isthmus enlargement. Please advise.

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 61-years-old, and I have had nephropathy and hypertension for the past 11 years. My BP is around 130/80 mmHg. I also have thyroid nodules ROM and am not under any medication. I took a thyroid ultrasound scan last month, and it showed multiple nodules, largest in the right lobe measuring 0.3 x 0.2 inch without calcification and no increase in vascularity. I do not have any thyroid symptoms; hence I have not taken any medication. However, the latest report mentions thyroid and isthmus enlargement. Is this concerning, and what should I do about this? Could you please advise next steps to help me manage the thyroid issues?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity).

1) The thyroid function is completely normal. You do not need any medicines for your thyroid now. Please check TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and FT4 (free thyroxine) at least once a year.

2) You may have autoimmune thyroid disease, as an enlarged gland and coarse texture are reported in the scan. As the gland itself is functioning enough, the thyroid hormone levels are adequate.

3) From the report, the largest nodule is only 0.3 inch, and no calcifications are seen. It is small and does not seem to have any concerning characteristics, so there is no need for a biopsy. Also, it is reassuring as there is no change in size for two years.

4) Kindly do a thyroid scan periodically.

5) If you develop any symptoms, repeat a thyroid blood test and thyroid scan as early as possible.

Regards.