Does THYROID Nodule = CANCER?

At ALETRIS, we see many men and women who have a thyroid nodule. The question we ask is always whether or not the nodule is cancerous, and a biopsy of the nodule is often necessary. If the biopsy comes back inconclusive, removal of the thyroid or part of the thyroid is often recommended as cancer cannot be ruled out. On final analysis, however, only between 10 and 15% of excised nodules turn out to be cancerous.

A recent report from Lancet Oncology outlines a new gene marker that may help identify nodules that are cancerous. The molecule galectin-3 was seen in the blood 93% of the time in cancerous nodules. The results of the research showed that 22% of the cancers were missed, however, based on the galectin-3 molecule analysis only.

This blood marker is far from a perfect tumor marker for thyroid cancer, but it does signify that researchers are searching for better ways to assess whether the thyroid gland needs to be removed unnecessarily. We look forward to improved diagnosis tools in order to answer this question definitively for patients.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment