thyroid mass

[Sheeply1]

Hi,

I’m new here, 38F who has developed a visible thyroid mass. I am currently awaiting ENT referral as blood work was normal, this is routine as my doctor is certain it is ‘nothing to worry about and likely cyst’. .

I am always cold and tired which has been ongoing for years, nothing has been found on repeat bloods but this is the first time I have had a mass develop - first noticed 4 months ago.

Has anyone had similar and if so any ideas on next steps?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Do you have any actual results and ranges you can add

Are you in the U.K.?

 

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 at least once year minimum

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies 

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. 

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis 

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am

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

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning. Watch out for postal strikes, probably want to pay for guaranteed 24 hours delivery 

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism 

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

[Sheeply1 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes I am in the UK.

Unfortunately I do not have a copy of the blood test result, I was told over the phone that it was normal.

I didn’t realise about bloods and testing times. I will have a look at the private companies, I want/need answers and happy to use a private company if it will extend the tests to what’s required.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sheeply1]

TSH is highest early morning

TSH is all most medics look at

When hypothyroid or borderline hypothyroid, we frequently develop low stomach acid, this leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH

So it’s important to test full thyroid and vitamins

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sheeply1]

Unfortunately I do not have a copy of the blood test result, I was told over the phone that it was normal.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

[posthinking01]

Sorry for ignorance but what is 38F ?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to posthinking01]

Age 38 and female

[posthinking01 in reply to SlowDragon]

Are I wondered why a bust measurement was relevant - how wrong could I be. thanks.

[annnsandell]

It is important that you have this fully investigated and a GP diagnosis of 'nothing to worry about' is not correct. That said you are now referred and they can find out the best treatment for you. How are the waiting times for an appointment? If it is a long time, ask your GP to send you for an ultrasound in the meantime.

[Sheeply1]

Thanks,

I took your very helpful advice and got a print out.

The only thyroid related measurement analysed was TSH which came back as 2.8mu/l with a reference range of (0.27-4.2). Antibodies were negative.

Appointment wise I was told around 6-8 weeks to be sent an appointment so not too bad.

All I want is to feel less tired and have answers to what I consider important questions.