Thyroid Nodule.

[Garben]

In November my doctor discovered a nodule in my thyroid, about 19 mm. After a biopsy, I was told it isn’t cancerous (huge sigh of relief), and that we will simply monitor it every six months to see if the size has changed.

Even though it isn’t cancerous, it has caused a lot of unfortunate stuff. I started to snore and choke when I’m eating because it blocks my esophagus at times.

Lately, my voice has been really hoarse. I can’t speak at a normal volume without a sharp, stabbing pain in my neck. I don’t feel that I have a cold. I’m worried that my nodule has grown. I know there are a lot of other reasons for my hoarse voice, but the pain is unbearable and I have to practically whisper to talk to other people.

I guess I just need more reassurance. I’ve been to the doctor but she barely believes I have anything wrong (my OBGYN actually found it) because she can’t feel it when doing a routine thyroid check so she says wait it out, no tests, if it gets worse come back. What if getting worse means growing larger and I can’t breathe?

It’s just caused so much anxiety for months.

[Clutter]

Garben,

Nodules are normally quite slow growing. It's unlikely your nodule has grown much since the biopsy in November but as you are now experiencing hoarseness and stabbing pains you should request referral to a thyroid surgeon to discuss whether partial thyroidectomy may be an option.

My nodule was compressing my trachea making breathing and swallowing difficult and hemilobectomy was scheduled to ease this.

[Garben in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for your reply.

I’ve just heard that the surgery is dangerous because it’s near the structures in your neck for your voice. Singing is a really big part of my life and losing that ability is rather terrifying.

I suppose seeing a surgeon just for a consultation wouldn’t be a horrible idea, but I am on Medicaid meaning I have to go through my GP for a referral.

How was your surgery in terms of recovery?

[Clutter in reply to Garben]

Garben,

All surgery has risks. I was told that there was a 2% chance of damage to the vocal chords. There is also the risk of loss or damage to the 4 parathyroid glands which are located near the thyroid gland.

I had a hemilobectomy to remove the nodule and it turned out to be malignant so I had follow up thyroidectomy 3 months later. I had an experienced thyroid surgeon who used a camera down my throat to show where the vocal chords were so they could be avoided. I had no vocal chord or voice damage and the parathyroid glands recovered after a week. My recovery from surgery on both occasions was good and I have a thin white scar in the hollow of my throat which is almost imperceptible.

[Garben in reply to Clutter]

Clutter,

That is a relief to hear. I’m so glad that everything turned out okay in your situation! And that’s fair that I shouldn’t take medical advice from this board, it was more of a joke, but I appreciate the concern.

[Clutter in reply to Garben]

Garben,

A lot of medical advice is given on this forum based on personal and family experience but it is important to recognise that it is not from medical professionals. If someone did claim to be a doctor or nurse we would have no way of verifying it.

[Minnskimoo]

Hi Garben.

Sorry to hear you are in pain. And no one should have to be. I think a second opinion is called for. Not sure how long you are supposed to 'wait it out'! I am no expert, but my sister had a goitre and hers wasn't in the obvious place - it was higher up than you would normally expect. She was aware something was amiss. For peace of mind and to curb your anxiety there every is good reason to return to your surgery...my sister's anxiety increased as time passed and it turned out to be connected to the fact she had Graves' disease.

I am sure there will be plenty of knowledgeable people on here who will ask better questions and provide you with suggestions.

x

[Garben in reply to Minnskimoo]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I hate that other people are going through similar situations but it is comforting to hear other people talk about it. Did she have surgery?

I am hoping a doctor will just happen to respond 😉

[Clutter in reply to Garben]

Garben,

You shouldn't assume anyone on the form is a doctor or has medical training.

[Minnskimoo in reply to Garben]

Yes, it is helpful to have some input from other peoples experiences.

My sister had radioactive iodine to shrink the gland. It was the first line of treatment for her Hyperthyroidism (Graves') Obviously her situation was a little different to your own. Nothing wrong with seeking a referral - as suggested by 'Clutter' otherwise you will continue to experience further anxiety.

x

[Garben in reply to Minnskimoo]

My thyroid levels are normal but I imagine the radioactive iodine would still be a viable option in my case.

Again, I am so glad that your sister found the help that she needed.

[Minnskimoo in reply to Garben]

Thank you.

[Clutter in reply to Garben]

Garben,

No, it wouldn't. Radioactive iodine would ablate your entire thyroid gland. Surgery would remove the lobe the nodule is on and you would retain thyroid function with the remaining lobe.