Question: I have had two thyroid scans and have two hot nodules on my thyroid. I have no appetite, have lost weight, have insomnia, and sometimes I have a sore throat. What tests can be done to find out if I have cancer?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
The good news is that the majority of hot thyroid nodules are not cancerous. The majority of thyroid cancers are nonfunctioning or "cold" nodules. When concerns about malignancy are raised, the only definitive test is by biopsy and tissue analysis. Most thyroid biopsies can be performed by a needle aspiration technique, often in the office, or can be done under ultrasound guidance in most hospital's imaging departments under physician order and supervision.

We do not rely on blood testing for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. With hot nodules, you should consider a consultation with an endocrinologist. Relax, you will be just fine.