Seeking Insights on Thyroid Biopsy Results
I’m a 21-year-old female with no notable thyroid conditions previously, aside from discovering a 3.6cm nodule recently. I received the results of my fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, which indicated that the findings are benign. However, the report mentioned the detection of Hurthle and follicular cells, which has caused a significant amount of concern for me. Considering that Hurthle cell carcinoma often goes undetected until surgical intervention, I’m anxious, particularly since biopsies can yield false benign results in approximately 25% of cases. If anyone has faced similar circumstances and can share insights or offer reassurance—understanding that I deal with considerable health anxiety, as I'm still feeling uneasy despite the benign diagnosis—I would greatly appreciate it. The details of the biopsy report are as follows: **THYROID NODULE DESCRIPTION, LEFT MID POLE, ULTRASOUND GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (THIN PREP AND DIRECT SMEARS)** **ADEQUACY:** Satisfactory for evaluation. **CATEGORY:** Benign **DIAGNOSIS:** The specimen reveals a high quantity of colloid, follicular cells, Hurthle cells, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages. These observations align with the characteristics of a benign follicular nodule exhibiting cystic degeneration.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 6:01:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after receiving medical results, especially when dealing with a thyroid nodule and terms like "Hurthle cells" can raise concerns. The key points here are that your biopsy results indicate a benign diagnosis, which is reassuring, and Hurthle cells are often associated with benign conditions as well.
Explanation
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Benign Diagnosis: Your biopsy report confirms that the thyroid nodule is benign, which generally means there is no indication of cancer. In fact, most thyroid nodules are benign.
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Hurthle Cells: While Hurthle cells can appear in both benign and malignant conditions, their presence in your case seems to be linked to a benign follicular nodule, as noted in your report. This means that while they can cause concern, in the context of your results, they are more likely benign.
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False Negatives: While it’s true that biopsies can have false negative results, and it’s good to be aware of this, the fact that your nodule has been classified as benign based on the tissue sampled is a positive outcome.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms, such as changes in size or discomfort in the area of the nodule. This can help you feel more in control and provide information for any future discussions.
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Follow-up with an Endocrinologist: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider or an endocrinologist. They may recommend periodic ultrasounds to monitor the nodule over time, especially since you may be concerned about changes in the future.
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Educate Yourself and Seek Support: Learning more about thyroid conditions can help alleviate your anxiety. Consider reliable sources like the American Thyroid Association for information. Also, talking to others who have had similar experiences can provide reassurance.
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Address Anxiety: If your health anxiety continues affecting your well-being, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide strategies to manage these feelings.
Remember, you have been given a benign diagnosis, which is a positive indication. It's completely normal to feel anxious, but staying informed and connected with your healthcare team can help you navigate this health journey. Reach out anytime if you need more support or information!
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