Thyroid nodule - worried and need to chill

[pennyrose]

Hello all and happy Friday

Been a long time since I've posted mainly because of your support I've been well. For the first time in almost 5 years I've had a stable dose, controlled weight loss, energy - I promise there is hope for those of you trying to be well.

But now I'm worried. Not for me, but my husband. 3 weeks ago I noticed a large lump at the base of his neck. The GP checked it, thought it was a goitre and he had an US last Thursday. The lady doing the scan said "it's just a cyst". Reception called saying next GP appointment was next week so we thought there was nothing to worry about.

Yesterday morning he gets a call from another GP saying they don't want to alarm him but would like to arrange a CT scan and biopsy. He's booked in for a week on Tuesday.

I'm seeing cancer everywhere because his mum is battling breast cancer. Why would they need a CT scan? Also, does a goiter just develop overnight? It wasn't there in June and it just sprung up?

Don't really know what I'm looking for but tired of crying in dark rooms and putting on a brave face.

Thanks for listening x

[Nanaedake]

You needn't worry unduly most nodules, 95% are non cancerous, Google it. It's also very treatable in almost all forms and the vast majority make a full recovery. They need to scan to rule out cancer as it would be irresponsible not to but it will also help determine what treatment if any is needed for a nodule. He's very lucky to be sent so quickly, I waited 10 months for a diagnosis!!

[pennyrose in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks Nanaedake, the stats look good, I think I'd normally be much more relaxed but we've lost a couple of good people recently. Have the gps sorted you now or are you still battling?

[Nanaedake in reply to pennyrose]

I'm fine. I had 3 fine needle biopsies and a surgical biopsy after indeterminate results. It was found I had thyroid cancer and I had more than half my thyroid removed. I've had no return of cancer 10 years on from treatment. I've learned how to care for myself and what keeps me well. This forum is a great help. Hopefully it will turn out to be just a nodule and no treatment needed.

My battle has been trying to stay on the Levothyroxine that suits me. There's a bit of an ongoing National row about it.

[Clutter]

Pennyrose,

It sounds like he has a thyroid nodule which can indeed spring out into the neck or throat when it becomes large. Mine appeared overnight in the side of my neck but it is likely the nodule had been growing for a decade or more.

Fine needle biopsy is done on nodules which may have suspicious characteristics and nodules >2cm. 95% of nodules are benign so try not to worry. If it is malignant thyroid cancer is very treatable and for many thyroidectomy is all that is required. Some may require RAI but there is no chemotherapy or radiotherapy such as your husband's mother is undergoing.

I'm now in my sixth year of remission from Hurthle cell carcinoma.

[pennyrose in reply to Clutter]

It's so odd how quickly it appeared: there in an instant almost. It is quite large.

Thanks so much Clutter, will keep you posted x

[LuckyKat]

Hi, I think the worst thing in situations like this is the waiting and uncertainty. When my husband had pancreatic cancer we felt much better when taking things into our own hands. Nodules and cysts can be treated with iodine. There are many pages of interesting reading here:

healyourselfathome.com/HOW/...

By the way, the cancer went away and hasn't returned nearly three years on.