Should nodules always be investigated? I have one on each side but was told "fine, no further action,"

[beaton]

[Clutter]

I think it depends on the size of the nodule and whether it is spongy or solid when palpated, Beaton.

You might find some info in one of these links: thyroid.about.com/lr/thyroi...

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter.x

[wysewoman]

Hi there,

I think it may depend on how big they are. They seem to like investigating them if they are bigger than 1-1.5 cm in size. Have you had a ultrasound and did they say what size they were ?

If they were smaller then they may just recheck 6 months / a year? From now.

[beaton in reply to wysewoman]

Hi Wysewoman, I had an ultrasound back in 2012. a 6mm well defined nodule on the right lobe and a 1cm hypoechoic defined nodule in the left lobe. no further action. I think hypoechoic nodules are more likely to turn cancerous and wondered why no action is to be taken. I've a new endo. since so want to know what I'm talking about when I see him. x

[Clutter in reply to beaton]

I had to look up hypoechoic. I should certainly ask for a repeat ultrasound and depending on the outcome a FNA biopsy. everydayhealth.com/speciali...

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter,my feelings too but don't want to appear fussy,glad for a second opinion. x

[Clutter in reply to beaton]

Beaton, don't ever hold back for fear of appearing fussy. It's YOUR health at stake.

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter,yes I must be more assertive. My husband says I appear too happy and agreeable when I see doctors. x

[Clutter in reply to beaton]

It isn't easy to be assertive with doctors. Would your husband attend with you for moral support?

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Well maybe or I might get a friend. x

[wysewoman]

Hi Beaton,

Hypoechoic nodules are often still benign. There are other features they also look out for.

You may find these interesting :

penncancer.org/pdf/LangerTh...

I think I'd ask for a FNA anyway. I found it a relatively straight forward procedure.

[beaton in reply to wysewoman]

Thanks wysewoman,glad it is an ok procedure. x

[ThyroidThora]

Hi,

I had a calcified nodule in my right thyroid lobe which turned out to be cancer once it was removed and biopsied. It was found on a CT scan for another unrelated investigation and had to be investigated. I had felt it for 2 or 3 years and queried it with my GP who just kept saying it was laryngitis, they had to investigate further because of the scan, so I was finally listened to! The investigations involved having a Fine Need Biopsy, where they stick a needle in the nodule and extract fluid and test for cancer plus an ultrasound scan of the neck and thyroid region to to look for hot or cold nodules/goitres. I'd done my homework before I went for the FNA and ultrasound and told the ENT registrar that there was a very high probability that the nodule was cancerous so he had to do the test, he too was going to fob me off and I wouldn't let him. Forewarned is forearmed and I'd ask for a FNA and all the other procedures to set my mind at rest. I've had my cancer removed and even though it has caused other problems, namely hypothyroidism, I'm sort of glad it was removed because it was causing me breathing problems in the night and I kept waking up choking because it was pressing on my windpipe.

Whatever don't let them fob you off and I wish you well with your journey. If you need some advise then please PM me.

Good luck xx.

[beaton in reply to ThyroidThora]

Hi ThyroidThora,glad you got sorted out and thanks for all the info. I shall take it further,seeing endo. June/July time, unless things get worse. xx

[ThyroidThora]

Good luck and if you do need someone to talk to then please PM me.

I am in negotiation with Macmillan Cancer Support to set up a local support group where I live and am considering setting up an online support group depending on what funding I can get from them. Last year when I was going through this awful situation I didn't have anyone to talk to and it feels so lonely. There was lots of support on this forum but having cancer is a totally different ball game and sometimes you need to talk to someone going through the same journey.

[beaton in reply to ThyroidThora]

Thank you TyroidThora,so kind of you. (and I know what you mean about cancer,my hubby has had two lots and Mcmillan were very helpful.)xx

[ThyroidThora]

You're welcome.

Take care xx.