Thyroid nodules U3 - 2 week wait referral

[KayS68]

Got report back from thyroid ultrasound and they've found I have 2 larger nodules and a cluster of smaller ones. the 2 larger are characterised as U3 (indeterminate) but they've flagged it to my doctor as "suggestive of thyroid cancer". I was expecting the ultrasound just to show us if the inflammation had subsided - I was diagnosed with acute thyroiditis 6 weeks ago - so this was a bit of a shock.

I *know* it might very well not be cancer, and I *know* that it's a very treatable cancer, even if it is, but I'm still worried. My GPs know I have MH issues, and that includes health anxiety - they were so understanding and kind today on the phone. But, I'm a single mum with no family contact, and I'm feeling a bit miserable.

I'm also wondering if they will go ahead with the appointment - with the coronavirus issues - as this is at a major central London hospital on 1st April.

Can anyone chat me through what to expect next, please? GP said he thinks they'll do a needle aspiration when I see them - I'm completely ok with the tests, etc. I just know nothing about any of this. I knew nothing about thyroids 2 months ago!

[cjrsquared]

Your gp is probably right they will do a fine needle biopsy (fna) with ultra sound to aspirate some fluid and send off for histology. Please be aware that often the results are equivocal, so the procedure can be repeated for a second attempt. Depending on the ‘texture’ of the nodules they may do a radioiodine uptake scan where they give you a low dose radioactive marker and then put you under a gamma camera to see if any of the cells are metabolically active.

Your appointment should go ahead as it is on the 2 week cancer pathway, but that will only be as to what happens next, it may be longer before you get your biopsy.

You sound very sensible, but I know it is hard not to focus on the ‘what ifs’. Try to be kind to yourself especially at this difficult time.

Small suggestion, make sure you get copies of your blood results with the ranges and record any thyroid meds you were on at the time. This is helpful in the longer term if you need any medication in the future, normal differs for all of us, so identifying your levels when you feel well can guide medication in the future.

Best wishes

[KayS68 in reply to cjrsquared]

Thank you so much. I’m not on any medication for now. This is all a bit sudden, and they were thinking it was thyroiditis (so generalised inflammation) which would go down then I would be back to normal or might then go underactive (have been in thyrotoxicosis for 6 weeks).

I’m glad to hear the appointment will go ahead - I think the wondering stage is the worst.

Thank you again.

[2leapittoo in reply to cjrsquared]

Hi Im Chris I had these procedures 3 years ago. It was not bad the needle asp. I did worry but not cancer. I had nodules goitre a long time but the doctors never reacted. However a year back I worried. After all tests again they removed a large goitre and other nodules last June. All non cancerous. Im more troubled because on ct and mri I had a problem with a bent windpipe. Dont leave it. Mine was left too long. They did a breathing test and it was difficult for me. The test was simple. I should have been listened to years back. I first noticed my neck 50 years back. Dont delay get your goitre nodules removed now. hope Ive helped you. best wishes. They often come on in pregnancy as mine did so that might help you know why.