Does anyone know about Thyroid Scans?

[briskate]

My blood tests results have not shown I have a thyroid problem, so I'm wondering if a scan can sometime show up a problem when a blood test hasn't?

Also I did have a CT scan recently of my body (not sure how much of the neck was included though). Does anyone know if this kind of scan would have shown a problem or is a totally different kind of scan I would need anyway to check thyroid?

Thanks very much for your help

[Clutter]

Briskate,

What are your recent thyroid results and ranges?

A thyroid scan will show the condition and size of the thyroid gland including damage consistent with Hashimoto's, nodules and cysts but diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on blood results.

You'll have to ask your doctor whether the CT scan included imaging of your thyroid gland.

[davelinks]

My wife recently had a CT scan of the thyroid which showed up a large goiter has grown down toward her chest that she has to have removed. Firstly there's an ultrasound scan done, then there's CT scan done for more detail which is a special type of x-ray.. and is the norm..

A CT scan makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.

[briskate in reply to davelinks]

Recently I've been getting this feeling like someone has their hands round my throat (a feeling of pressure). Has anyone else had this?

So........does that mean a scan could show a problem when a blood test hasn't?

Serum free T4 level 14.7 (range 12-22)

TSH - 0.82 (range 0.27-4.20)

serum free T3 - 5.6 (range 3.10 - 6.80)

Thyroid autoantibodies - 7 <34.00

Thanks!

[Clutter in reply to briskate]

Briskate,

If your GP palpates your neck and throat and detects a lump or swelling s/he may recommend an ultrasound scan. Pressure in your throat can be due to a thyroid goitre (inflammation of the thyroid gland). A scan will show whether there is a goitre, nodule or cyst or damage to the thyroid gland which may eventually cause hypothyroidism.

Currently your blood levels are euthyroid and don't indicate thyroid dysfunction. TSH is low-normal, FT4 is low-normal and FT3 is very good in the upper third of range. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are negative for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's).

Have you had ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate tested? Low/deficient levels can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms.

________________________________________________________________________

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.

[briskate in reply to Clutter]

Yes i've had all of those checked thoroughly. Been in bed for the last year, practically can't move and I'm in my thirties so shouldn't be like this! Had radiotherapy and chemotherapy a couple of years ago - thinking it might be linked somehow. Got an appointment with a new doctor next week, really hoping for some answers.

Thanks for your help.

[Clutter in reply to briskate]

Briskate,

I hope you find out what's making you so unwell.

[Hidden]

Except of course that in the UK salt is not iodised, and iodine deficiency is common.Really I despair when I read these non scientific generalisations in supposedly scientific papers.