Does calcification in thyroid nodules mean that you have cancer?

It depends: It depends upon the pattern of the calcification. "eggshell" calcification, where there is a thin calcific rim around the the nodule is not associated with an increased risk of cancer, while "microcalcifications" inside the nodule are associated with a much higher risk of cancer, 50-100%, compared to 5% for nodules in general.

Not necessarily: But calcium in thyroid nodules can be associated with cancer and its presence may increase the concern of your physicians and make biopsy and/or surgery more likely.

Not always : However we do worry about nodules with calcification more than other nodules as a significantly higher rate of being malignant.

Yes: Papillary carcinomas of the thyroid often contain flecks of calcium, but so can common benign nodular goiter. Your physician and imaging specialist can help you make the right choice.

Not neccessarily: It may or may not, you need to have ultasound guided biopsy to make the diagnosis.It could be a benign nodule or cancer. Only way you will klnow for sure is by biopsy and getting the pathology report.

It could...: As mentioned, there are both benign and malignant causes of calcifications within the thyroid. A biopsy of the nodule should be able to clarify the situation.

No: However, certain patterns of calcification raise the risk that a nodule could be malignant. When in doubt, needle biopsy is advised.

No: But in the setting of a solid nodule they are a marker for possible cancer and often lead to needle biopsy.