“Should I be concerned about cysts on my thyroid?”
I had a MRI Spine Cervical w/o contrast. There is a 1.7 cm cyst right posterior thyroid gland. I am trying to find a neurosurgeon for surgery for anterolisthesis at C-4 and retrolistthesis of C-5-C-6. Also, anterior osteophytes @C-4-C5-6. None of this was explained to me so I basically don't know what I'm saying. I did have a surgeon tell me that I need to have my thyroid checked out. Is this something I need to be concerned about - the cyst? I'm 71 years old. Taking lisonipril 20mgs. Bid, norvasc 5mgs bid, trintelix 10mgs qd and hydrocodone 10/325 every 4hours pen.
Female | 71 years old
3 Answers
Yes, it has to be completely worked up.
Thyroid masses vary from liquid cysts (which are generally not harmful) to solid thyroid modules (which have higher risk of cancer). Best next step is to have a dedicated thyroid sonogram to better differentiate wether your is a nodule or a true cyst. Cysts are generally just monitored, unless they cause difficulty swallowing, and at that point can be either drained or cauterized with ethanol (done by specialized endocrinologists).
If this is a cystic structure, it is probably not a problem. Non the less it would be a good idea to get it checked further. I would get a Free T4 & TSH level and an ultrasound of the thyroid to be sure it is cystic & if there are other cysts &/or any solid masses. Most cysts are benign & need no RX but you need to be sure that is what it is. An ultrasound is a lot cheaper than the MRI & for the thyroid may be better. See an endocrinologist & if you can one that specializes in thyroid disease.
