Can Hashimoto's be diagnosed from a biopsy?

[Ragstar]

Hi all,

does anyone know if Hashimoto's can be diagnosed from a biopsy of a nodule or is it just through blood tests?

TIA

[Clutter]

Ragstar,

Hashimoto's is diagnosed via antibody blood tests or via visual damage shown on an ultrasound scan. Biopsy of a nodule determines whether the nodule is benign or malignant.

[Ragstar in reply to Clutter]

thanks again Clutter,

!!!! so is my 'enlarged multi-nodular goitre' on scan another term for Hashimoto's? I've asked several times if it is this the case, but it's almost like a dirty word - I just get the answer 'your thyroid levels are all ok', but never a definitive yes or no.

I don't think I have been blood tested for it, so assumed that it might have been looked for in my biopsy results. I'd have thought it was important for the docs to know...

[Clutter in reply to Ragstar]

Ragstar,

A multi-nodular goitre is a totally unrelated and separate thing to autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) although it is fairly common to have both.

Doctors don't take much notice of Hashimoto's because there's no treatment for it. It eventually causes hypothyroidism but can take decades to do so.

[Misscshell24]

My thyroid nodule biopsy showed "lymphocytic thyroiditis" aka hashimotos. I did not have antibodies present in my first tpo last month, was just rechecked and haven't gotten results yet. But have the diagnosis of hypo secondary to hashi's.

Not sure if your pathology results, but here is a link about antibodies naturalendocrinesolutions.c...

[Ragstar in reply to Misscshell24]

thanks Misscshell!

was your nodule biopsied because it was suspicious? or to get the hashimoto diagnosis, and is tpo one of the normal thyroid tests done or is it one of the special ones that has to be requested?

Thanks for the great link. Lots to digest x

[Misscshell24 in reply to Ragstar]

It was suspicious and done to check for cancer. I have 5 nodules all about 1cm, except the one that was biopsied is 2.2cm, so considered suspicious because larger than others. Pathology findings showed benign with "moderately severe lymphocytic thyroiditis". TPO is the antibodies to check for hashi's. It *should* be standard, not sure if yours were done. I'd check with your doc and have them done if not. I'd also request your lab result papers and post them here as "all ok" doesn't necessarily mean they are. Also doesn't explain which tests were done. To my knowledge, nodules or goiters are common and don't necessarily mean thyroid issues, but they can so is best to have them checked out and all thyroid labs properly done as well as vit b, d, folate, ferritin, etc.

[Ragstar]

thanks Clutter - again!

I'm confused again now! can nodular goitre just be a normal happening - a bit like some people have warty growths.

Sorry for being a pain with all the questions! I just don't understand what's going on thank you for being patient.

[Ragstar in reply to Ragstar]

thank you Misschelle,

do you have to keep being re-scanned for the nodules? is the plan to give you medication after your results come back?

[Misscshell24 in reply to Ragstar]

I've only just done the scan and biopsy in August. Haven't gone to see the endo yet, but imagine the nodules will be rechecked via ultrasound, not sure how frequently. Also, to my knowledge, medication isn't given based on biopsy or scan alone. Believe they look at the whole picture of all your results so they know how to treat, what medication, and dosage, etc.

I suggest getting a copy of your biopsy and any lab work and posting the results. If you haven't had any, would be a good idea to have them done. Hard to know what to do with only one piece of the puzzle.

[Ragstar in reply to Misscshell24]

thank you Misscshell,

I didn't realise you could have a copy of your biopsy and lab results. I've just plucked up the courage to ask for my blood test results from the docs (surprisingly simple! I thought I'd get a hard time or pay thru the nose) and found that only TSH and free T4 were tested...

I'm going to post the results, but they look pretty ok - within range...