Thyroid nodules, testing, time scales and the like...

[lisahammock]

Hi

I first started undergoing tests for an underactive thyroid at age 17. After a lonnnng battle with borderline results and those not far enough off the mark and being too young it took 10 years to get my first taste of thyroxine. Life has been way better since!

Anyway. During this mêlée and about 10 years ago I had an ultrasound that revealed some nodules. Nothing else was done and due to the fog of not being treated at the time I have no idea why.

I mentioned this to my new dr yesterday who expressed surprise at no fna of the nodules and no followup. She wants to see me.

Now I have often had short sharp pains in the neck and have increasing (lately) difficulty swallowing speaking normally and getting a deep breath. Not catastrophic but uncomfortable and a problem during heavy exercise.

Should I be concerned? Can nodules be obviously benign from ultrasound alone or should I have had fna??? 10 years on is probably a little late huh? I also have a permanently swollen gland behind one ear but that has been a long time too.

Any thoughts or advice very much appreciated. I am a little apprehensive to be honest.

Thanks!

Lisa

[Jackie]

Hi nodules are very common with autoimmune thyroid disease, the most common type. However, you will need another ultra sound and should also for the nodules, have a routine biopsy ,fine needle under an ultra sound by a radiologist.They do effect your voice and swallowing

Best wishes,

Jackie

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[ThyroidHell]

Both my thyroid glands has been removed due to the nodules ..right on actually on last monday. Yes they cause all that discomfort around your neck. I opted to have them out and happy about it too, once the operation swelling goes away I can start living again ( and sleeping ) as they were pressing against the windpipe during the night. All the best

[Bethy12]

I had an ultrasound just over 18 months ago which confirmed I had three nodules on my thyroid. Then about a year ago the nodules started growing and kept on. I was offered the RAI or surgery for a thyroidectomy and opted for surgery. I had a total thyroidectomy about 11 weeks ago. This was definitely the right decision - the big lump turned out to be a tumour and a small amount of cancer was found in my thyroid. I had Graves disease so kept being told the RAI would shrink the nodules - but of course it wouldn't have shrunk the tumour.

My advise keep getting everything checked out - I couldn't believe how quickly the tumour had developed and how big it had grown in less than a year. Good luck.

[Orangelady1]

Yes make sure you get biopsies done, you can never be too careful. Good luck