Nodules on my thyroid

[Georgiegirl34]

I have had an under action thyroid for the last 16 years and progressively its got worse. 18 months my mum had thyroid cancer she had two tumours removed from her thyroid which they called nodules until they tested them after they were removed and found they were Cancerous. She is fine now, she had not had any problems with her thyroid ever. In September 2015 I went to the doctors as I am having problems swallowing and my voice has got very husky (it was husky but more so, people think I have a called if I am on the phone to them) they sent me for a scan and found I have two nodules on my thyroid. One is 2.5cm and the other a little under 2cm. However the consultant at the hospital (given my mothers history) does not think it appropriate to remove them, nor even do a needle test on them. I'm just a little uneasy about it as I am aware that if this was a lump in any other area given my family history they would probably whip it out.

I don't know if I should be more forceful with them being removed or get a second opinion. I would really appreciate advice, as I don't want to go back to the doctors and make a big deal about it if what they are saying is quite normal.

[Clutter]

Georgiegirl34, I think your concern is warranted. As far as I'm aware it is normal practice to fine needle aspirate nodules >1.5-2.0cm to rule out cancer. I would ask your GP to arrange referral for a second opinion. 95% of nodules are benign but should be checked. I'm not aware that there is a genetic link for papillary and follicular cancers but I think your mother having had thyCa is good reason for your concerns to be allayed.

My nodule 2.8cm was removed as it was compressing my trachea which made breathing and swallowing difficult. FNA was indeterminate but post op histology was malignant and I had completion thyroidectomy 3 months later.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Georgiegirl34 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, I don't have problems breathing but I have started snoring at night which I only did before while I was pregnant. I'm not 100% sure but I don't think its coming from my nose, on the occasions I have actually woke myself up or more so my partner has woke me up he has said it sounds like my throat I'm not sure if this is connected to the nodules but its a bit of a coincidence.

My GP said there is no genetic link between thyroid cancer and Thyroid disorders.

I think I will ask my GP to re-refer, thank you for taking the time to reply I very much appreciate it. I didn't want to go to the doctors unnecessarily but I feel reassured my concerns are just.

Thanks again.

[ThyroidThora]

Hiya,

Ask for a second opinion and don't take no for an answer. I had a calcified nodule on the right side of my thyroid and it was cancerous. The Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) can be used to extract cells and detect thyroid cancer. You would also need an ultrasound scan too. Once these tests are done you'll know either way if it is cancer or not and then you can decide how to proceed.

I hope this helps and if you need someone to chat to, then please don't hesitate to PM me.

Good luck,

TT xx