Currently, many doctors do not biopsy an overactive (toxic) thyroid nodule due to the belief that the chance of cancer is low. However, there is growing evidence to show that the prevalence of thyroid cancer in overactive hyperthyroid nodules is 8.2% to 29%, which is similar to the risk of thyroid cancer in other thyroid nodules.
I follow the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommendations of performing a biopsy of any suspicious nodule, regardless of being overactive (toxic) or not, to avoid missing a cancer.
During your visit for an overactive (toxic) thyroid nodule, I will discuss the benefits and risks to you of doing a biopsy and work with you to start your treatment to make a healthier you.