I’m new to this site but need some advice. Last April I had an ultrasound for a possible blocked salivary gland which turned out to be clear but in the process my thyroid gland was scanned and showed a thyroid nodule about 8mm. I had a fine needle biopsy which was “inconclusive” . After that I saw a consultant and he offered to remove the nodule plus half my thyroid gland just in case, or I could continue to have it monitored. I had another scan last week (6 months after the first) and the nodule is a bit bigger at 9mm.
I await another consultation but wondered what the advice would be regarding surgery or not. I have osteoporosis and take vitD and K2 and am on Methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis.
Any advice appreciated.
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Markarska
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Ask for a copy of the scan report. The specialist should have written a summary as to why they think the nodule may have concerning features. Usually they assess the size, shape, any calcification, solidity/fluid filled and vascularity. They should also comment about the overall health of the thyroid.
A high number of samples fail to collect sufficient cells to test. Double check if the sample was insufficient & this is why the result inconclusive.
Was thyroid function tested? Most nodules are harmless and non functioning (cold) and do not affect thyroid function in rest of thyroid.
What are your results for TSH, FT4 & FT3.
I had a large nodule scanned & FNA which was clear. I had made a point to ask what the thyroid levels were & was told all results normal, no further action.
It grew more & I developed swallowing issues. When I returned to GP (7 months later) they realised the blood test which were done didn’t include thyroid function, it had either been missed off request or not come back from lab. The other results were all normal. They were cheeky enough to put In notes “for some reason patient didn’t return for thyroid function test”
I had hyper levels caused by a hyper toxic or hot nodule.
Had it rescan and it had increased by 6mm to 5cm.
Nearly 5 years prior to that I had a hospital blood test which DID show fractionally over range FT3 undetectable TSH. That was never followed up either.
So it’s crucial you obtain all your results yourself and review what going on. You can’t trust doctors / admin have correctly checked everything.
Thank you for your comprehensive reply. I haven’t had any thyroid function tests- just the scan showing the nodule. I am waiting to see or speak to the consultant and will ask for a copy of the scan report. I think they couldn’t collect enough cells for any conclusive tests. I just don’t know whether to have the nodule and half my thyroid removed on a just in case basis. It feels like it’s my decision with very little to base it on.Did you have your nodule removed ?
No I still have the nodule. My high levels are controlled with antithyroid medication, I was recommended radioactive iodine treatment which ablates the thyroid.
The growth isn’t causing an issue (ie with voice, swallowing or breathing) & the FNA wasn’t a concern. A surgeon has also seen it and also said they remove entire lobe if RAI wasn’t possible.(I’m not keen on either option)
There was a webinar on thyroid nodules last month. If you find time Watch it and you’ll learn a lot & will be well informed to speak to the specialist during your next consult.
Having one autoimmune disease makes others more likely
Autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s often results in thyroid nodules
So you definitely need FULL thyroid and vitamins tested
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels common as we get older too
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3
£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.
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