Thyroid nodule

[Headandneck72]

Morning

So I have a thyroid nodule that was found in 2014 that was scanned and FNB. The three needles couldn’t get any cells. Thyroid bloods apparently with in range so I was left but has some symptoms!

Fast forward to June’s 2018 where I was diagnosed with right tonsil cancer HPV-16+, had surgery with chemo & radio. Pretty full on treatment but still here and treatment finished in sept 2019.....so now approx two years on my thyroid is now actually showing under activity in bloods with all symptoms and I’m currently having 8 week blood tests taking 50mmg thyroxine increasing 25mmg at a time. I’m starting to feel better but the issue I’m having is I’ve had four FN Biopsy’s a few weeks ago the FNA they took were inadequate because the can never manage to get any cells out and it’s calcified, so called my result a THY 1. THY 1 means is the sample is should be repeated they said. I find this very distressing and painful as I don’t get any local. My question is why after seven attempts they keep going in with the needles. The lump is calcified and it’s a real struggle - I’m worried it’s bad or I’ll habe to hand a full thyroid removal - I’m also considering not having any more tests on it

[Lora7again]

Has the nodule got any bigger? Just to add I have a multinodular goiter which I have scanned every few years to check that none of the nodules have got any bigger.

[Headandneck72 in reply to Lora7again]

Hi - no I don’t think it’s got bigger but I’ve had 30 fractions of radiation to my tonsil and so very close and that worries me

[Lora7again in reply to Headandneck72]

Yes I have heard that can affect your thyroid. I am wary to even have a mammogram even though I know the risk is low and I am now having to travel to a major city for one next month because they have a thyroid guard there. Do you have the results of your recent ultrasound? I always ask for a copy of mine to compare them and so far nothing has changed in the last 10 years but I don't know what will happen in the future.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I would be arguing with my doctor that these repeated fail attempts are getting fruitless and a toll on you. I don’t think it would be unreasonable to say you will agree to one final, ultrasound guided attempt with a local and then you want another option. Which will likely more invasive but will actually yield answers.

I have a hyper functioning nodule and my FNA was under local. I do have major issues with failed blood test. I usually cope with 5 attempts and then get tearful! It’s more the thought it will never get done than the actual attempt.

[Headandneck72 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi yes I cried at both and there’s been 7 attempts and I just cancelled one in between, it’s the waiting for results. Surly it’s ok though if I’ve had it since 2014

[Headandneck72 in reply to Headandneck72]

I’m not sure what my nodule is doing my thyroid bloods have only changed since the radiation but I think I was always borderline anyway - I’m under active but thyroxine making me gain weight I think

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Headandneck72]

Once you have the correct level of replacement thyroxine the weight gain will level off.

Were the calcification existing in 2014 or is this a new feature?

This should be investigated and not left. A great deal can change since 2014 and having radiation so close to the structure is an added complication.