Large thyroid nodule - surgery/ alternatives?

[bumblebee3]

Hello

This is my first time posting on the forum. I have a large nodule (5.8cm X 3.7cm) on the left side of my thyroid. There is also a smaller nodule ( 1cm diameter) on the right hand side.

I have had 3 pregnancies. After the first I had post partum thyroiditis (hyper) which went away on its own. After my second pregnancy almost 5 years later I noticed a very slight goiter on the left hand side, my endocrinologist examined me physically and said there is nothing to worry about. I had another baby (after another 5 year gap) in January and during my pregnancy the goiter got a lot larger.

I was first diagnosed in June with a nodule. On the ultrasound it looked solid. Since then I have had a further couple of scans and a biopsy. The biopsy was interdeterminate (Bethesda III) because of the presence of hurtle cells. Although the nodule oozed colloid at the time of collecting, in the sample there was no colloid present. At the subsequent ultrasounds, there appears to be more colloid in the nodule each time (just my observation). On ultrasound it looks like a benign nodule but the size is concerning.

My blood tests are optimal apparently. I have no other symptoms.

I am so worried about what to do for the best. I have just moved back to the UK and so would be grateful if anyone could PM me with details of endocrinologists and good surgeons. I am in the South East but would be prepared to travel.

I would like to avoid surgery but there seems to be no other option. Has anyone had experience of non surgical alternatives?

Sorry for the essay and TIA.

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

Sorry you haven't had any replies

Suggest you email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/About_...

[bumblebee3 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hello thanks, I already have the lists. Was hoping more for experiences of surgeons as it seems to be important to get someone really experienced. If anyone has any experience I would be grateful if they would get in touch.

[Hidden in reply to bumblebee3]

Jean Pierre Janon is the full name to ask contact e mail is found through

guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our/... consultant-profiles/ent/jean-pierre-jeanon.aspx#na

[Hidden]

As I have said to others, no surgeon will be prepared to do thyroid surgery unless there is some pressing need for it, eg you can't breath properly or it is making your life unbearable in other forms, and I can assure you that these forms will become quite obvious to you if they happen!

The main problem is that the longer you leave it, the more difficult becomes the surgery necessary to fix it. It may extend outwards or inwards or downwards a great deal and so needs regular checks from those who understand the issues.

I cannot recommend any surgeons but would advise you to stay with the NHS and not go private. An NHS surgeon will not proceed if he believes what needs doing is beyond his expertise. That DID happen to me. A private surgeon may not halt the operation.

I have zero knowledge of non-surgical alternatives.

[Hidden]

Hi bumblebee colloid goitre is due to lack of iodine in your diet. I had a goitre which started when I moved to a different region . It went hyper. About three years ago I found that iodine supplements through diet can help . Iodine is added to animal feed and is found in milk and in meat. If you don't drink milk you may be deficient in iron. I managed to shrink my goitre by eating high iodine foods such as fish paste every day and fish at least three times a week . I also had milk at least a quarter of a pint a day. Iodine is processed in the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. You can buy nascent iodine from global healing company but you have to pay duty and double postage. If your hormone levels from thyroid blood tests are not in range you may feel tired and ill. Sometimes a biopsy may remove the more. A friend had a node removed in her late twenties and felt much better. She had it done privately years ago. Nhs in the south of England has referrals to Guys and St Thomas hospitals. There is a head surgeon Jeanne Pierre consultant head and neck surgeon. Secretary number 02071862213 Surgeon is specialist in micro vascular surgery as well as thyroid head and neck. Both hospitals will have referrals but you can ask about private surgery if you live in the UK.

[bumblebee3]

Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer.

I have been taking Lugols iodine for the last 3 months on the advice of an integrative medical doctor (abroad- before I moved). No side effects noted but the goiter looks the same. I was tested as extremely iodine deficient so thought it was worth a go.

Thanks for the heads up about Guy’s and St Thomas and the point about the NHS, that’s really helpful.

I feel well but with a lumpy neck (which is fine) just the concern is the size and that it could be cancer because of the biopsy result.

I will start booking myself some appointments.