Can a thyroid nodule with microcalcifications be benign?

Calcifications on thyroid ultrasound do not necessarily represent thyroid cancer. Thyroid nodules are a very common that can be detected in up to 2/3rds of people, often on a physical examination or a test done for other reasons. While most thyroid nodules are not cancer (benign), ~5% are cancerous.

What percentage of thyroid nodule biopsies are cancer?

Because FNA is accurate and cost-effective, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends FNA of all thyroid nodules > 1 cm (3). Overall, about 5–10% of thyroid FNAs will have malignant cytology, 10–25% will be indeterminate or suspicious for cancer, and 60–70% will be benign (5, 6).

How is thyroid calcification treated?

Radioactive iodine. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland. This causes the nodules to shrink and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside, usually within two to three months.

What are the calcifications in a thyroid nodule?

One of the most important ultrasound features of cancer is the presence of calcifications, especially microcalcifications, in a thyroid nodule. Microcalcifications within a nodule are small flecks of calcification 1 mm or less in size that appear bright on an ultrasound image.

Can a fine needle biopsy test for thyroid cancer?

You might notice a small bump in your gland area. Most times, the nodules are not dangerous. But in some cases they can be thyroid cancer. A thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy can take a sample from the nodule to test for cancer.

How are calcifications removed from a breast biopsy?

In most cases, your doctor will order a core needle biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue in the area to check for underlying cancer. The surgeon or radiologist often has to use mammography to guide a needle to the location of the calcifications, since they are too small to be felt.

What are the microcalcifications on a thyroid ultrasound?

Thus, it is commonly accepted that, when present on an ultrasound, microcalcifications represent areas of papillary thyroid cancer.