Growth on Thyroid

[dianef2303]

I have a lump on the left side of my thyroid and went to doctor several weeks ago, he wanted a blood test and I was referred to a consultant. I had the consultants appointment yesterday and was told that my blood test results were fine and that they didnt show anything abnormal. He said yes definately thyroid and said I would need a scan. The consultant said he would not need to see me again after the scan unless it showed cancer cells. Is this normal? I also feel tired and listless most of the time, have trouble sleeping, cannot lose weight and have constipation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Clutter]

Dianef2303, nodules are quite common and an ultrasound scan can show whether the the nodule is suspicious for cancer. Suspicious looking nodules >1cm may be fine needle aspiration biopsied and most nodules >2cm will be FNA'd. 95% of nodules are benign and the FNA biopsy is done as a precaution.

Nodules rarely affect thyroid bloods but if you post your results and ranges (figures in brackets after results) members will advise whether they are 'normal'.

[dianef2303 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for the reply, I will ask for test results next time I am at the doctors and post them for some advice.

[shaws Administrator]

He is obviously another who takes notice of the blood tests but doesn't include the patient's symptoms in his analysis.

If you have a print-out of your results post them in a new question if you don't have them today and quote the ranges. Just ask surgery for a copy each time you have a blood test, for your own records and so you can post if you have a query.

[dianef2303 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I will ask for a copy of results next time I am at the drs and post them, I was just very surprised as the quetioning of symptoms was minimal and I just felt like I was being fobbed off by him.

[shaws Administrator in reply to dianef2303]

I suppose sometimes they do these procedures day in and out and have lost the knack of reassuring the patient.

As you are still having clinical symptoms I would ask GP for a blood test which should be as early as possible, and fast (you can drink water) and don't take levo for around 24 hours before. Take it afterwards. This procedure helps to keep the TSH high as food and also testing later in the day can interfere with the blood results.