Ultrasound results

[Angel20]

I was seen by an ENT consultant on Friday. The ultrasound showed the lump on my throat it is a Lymph node, he also examined my neck and said that just above my collar bone there is another lump and stated it is a nodule. The next steps is to have a biopsy this is an Ultrasound needle aspiration, he does not think the top lump is cancerous as it is moveable and does not hurt however, he needs to get to the bottom of things hence the ultrasound needle biopsy soon.

The ENT and Endocrinologist are completely separate the consultant stated. I had bloods done on Friday too for the Endocrinologist to call me next week Tuesday, however, I feel the ENT comes first as there could be something that may be causing hyperthyroidism I don't know. No doubt the Endo will be pushing for anti thyroid tablets my gut feeling is to wait, get the results from the biopsy and then decide what the next steps should be, tablets its a no no right now.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you know if they plan to biopsy both areas? Assuming the upper lump is reactive lymph and lower nearer collar bone is thyroid nodule?

I had a thyroid nodule biopsy some years ago & Its straightforward quick procedure, by guided ultrasound. I was given a local & discomfort minimal. Some confident doctors complete quickly without local. Ask beforehand what they plan to do. Odd part was when I was told gently bite end of tongue this minimise swallowing & movement. Worked a busy shift after procedure as wasn’t expecting biopsy only expecting a scan, I think the worry about having it done might have been worse.

19 per of 20 samples are benign.

Mine was all clear & I was initially told every fine no further action. The thyroid function wasn’t followed up correctly, even though I had asked, and it was many months later before elevated levels were picked up.

Get a hold of the specialist report of the scan, there’s often details (the technical stuff) in the report which are explained to you by consultant, same applies to blood test results, as I’m sure you know. Obtain actual results not a verbal “normal” from doctor.

[Angel20 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hello PurpleNailsI have never had an ultrasound guided biopsy, I am a little sceptical as it is on the neck! however need to have it done to put my mind at rest. The consultant is arranging the ultrasound biopsy I would think that both should be done, top lump and lower nodule. I will ask for a copy of the biopsy report and bloods. Thank you,

[Batty1 in reply to Angel20]

Skeptical actually I think its a good call by the ENT although I would prefer that Endo do the FNB since they are more qualified in my opinion to diagnose thyroid cancer …. I had ENT first time for FNB and he told me your good and then less then a year later as my issues progressed and fast the Endo did FNB and it was positive for cancer (not saying yours is) and he went further to say that ENT should have referred me to his Department for FNB. I went through the Endo FNB WITHOUT any numbing medication his nurse did not order it prior to FNB and actually I was fine hurt but not too much.

[legallyspeaking1]

What were your original symptoms that brought you to the ENT? Do you have headaches or sinus pressure with the findings? What was the size cyst/mass?

[Angel20 in reply to legallyspeaking1]

I had no symptoms only that I noticed a small lump just below my chin on the right hand sideThe lump does not hurt and it is movable it is a lymph node not usually cancerous however ENT wants to rule out anything sinister

I went to my GP she immediately referred me for an ultrasound scan but same time

the Endo requested a scan too unknown to her that i had a small lump on the neck

That is when ENT took over.

[Litatamon]

The fine needle biopsy simply seems scary when you picture a procedure involving the neck, and being an unknown. I get it.

I assure you it is not a big deal in the end Angel20. At all.

All the best to you.

[Angel20 in reply to Litatamon]

Thank you Litatamon, I suppose it can't be any worse than having dental injections, I will be brave need to have it done put my mind at rest.

[Litatamon in reply to Angel20]

It just feels a bit foreign. That is all. Do post back so that others do not work themselves up, which is understandable.

I found it fascinating in the end, smiling. She had a student shadowing her the day I had two of mine done, so I got a play-by-play.

[Angel20 in reply to Litatamon]

Waiting for the appointment, once I have it done, will report here. Thank you Litatamon.