Any Info greatly appreciated...Newbie! USS found goitre/nodules.....

[loopyboo]

Hi there-brief history- I was noticing that i had a funny sensation like a dull ache on left side of neck for a couple of months but put it off! Eventually went to see GP and he examined my neck and said that I had a smooth goitre and sent me for Ultra sound scan.

Had the scan a couple of weeks ago and the sonographer said that I have two hypoechoic nodules measuring 8.3 x 8mm and 4.9 x 4.9mm on my right lobe. Referred me back to Dr who has referred me to Endocrinoligist.

I managed to get a choose and book appt for 2 weeks time. My question is-Im so worried that it is something sinister and Im wondering to get a private appointment instead??

The weird thing is aswel is that I originally experienced a weird sensation/pain on the left lobe(and I still am) but nodules found on the right side??

Anyone have any experience of this and why that could be? Do the sizes and description of the nodules sound scary? (one more) Do you think I should opt for a private appt(which i can get for Mon or Tues) or wait for NHS. I know its only a difference of a week but will this matter if its serious, and although I wont be able to really afford private will the diagnosis etc be better...??

THANK YOU X

[Clutter]

Loopy,

I'd stick with your NHS consultation in two weeks time. It's very unlikely that your nodules are cancerous as thyroid cancer is still very rare. If, one or more of the nodules is cancerous, the delay of a week for further investigation won't matter. Thyroid cancers are very slow growing and nodules under 1cm are seen as very low risk. I had an inconclusive fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy in July 2011. Surgery was scheduled for Dec 2011 to remove the nodule which was compressing my windpipe and gullet, affecting breathing and swallowing. Histology post surgery showed Hurthle Cell carcinoma and although the tumour had grown during the 5 months it remained encapsulated and hadn't affected other nearby organs.

everydayhealth.com/speciali...

[loopyboo in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter! Thanks for your reply and the info!!

Yep, nhs apt is actually Tuesday week now and private this Tuesday so only one week difference. I just I'm going out if my mind with worry and this is all new to me!!

Would you have any idea what they will do at the first apt if I have already had USS and bloods done??

How are you doing now after the diagnosis they gave you?

[Clutter in reply to loopyboo]

Loopy,

They'll probably want to do a fine needle aspiration (FNA) to suck up some cells from the nodule to test for cancer cells. The procedure is a little uncomfortable as you have to lie down with your throat thrust upwards while a needle is guided by ultrasound scan and inserted into the nodule to withdraw cells. Local anaesthetic is applied beforehand so it isn't painful. There may be two or three passes to grab cells from different areas of the nodule. I found it quite interesting to watch the needle moving on the scan without feeling what it was doing.

I was given a wad of gauze to press to the area for about 30 minutes to reduce swelling and bruising. You will feel quite sore and bruised for several days following the FNA. I got my initial results the same afternoon but I think this is unusual and 2/3 weeks wait is more common.

It's no use telling you not to worry, you aren't doing it for fun, but thyroid cancer is one the most easily treated cancers and there is no debilitating chemotherapy required afterward.

Let us know how you get on and if you want reassurance or need to talk you can send me a private message.

I'm doing well now and have been in remission for over two years. After five years in remission the risk of recurrence is negligible.