Can X-Rays pick up Thyroid abnormalities

[ErraticAspie]

Hi,

I had a neck X-Ray last week for other reasons, and am just wondering whether they can incidentally pick up anything regarding the thyroid?

[helvella Administrator]

Afraid I really don't know much about the issue.

But I'd be surprised if they can't see some issues - even if it is not the best approach.

I'd have a look at this site which is an absolute goldmine about imaging of many types including X-ray:

radiopaedia.org/?lang=gb

[ErraticAspie in reply to helvella]

Thanks. I only ask because I phoned for my results a couple of days ago, and they won't let me have them until I speak to a doctor. It could simply be some wear and tear in my neck, but I wonder if there might be some physical abnormality with my Thyroid. Especially since I have recently developed quite noticable difficulty swallowing.

[helvella Administrator in reply to ErraticAspie]

Definitely worth considering.

[ErraticAspie]

I mean, even if it is merely wear and tear on the neck joint, I find it a tad surprising, even though I have a desk job and am sedentary, and all anxiety goes into my neck and makes it stuff, given that I am 27, and given the links between Hypothyroidism and Arthritis, the fact that I may have developed the second subsequent to the first may not be coincidental.

[Hookie01]

Many many many years ago, that's how they found out an ex of mine had thyroid problems. Not sure where was x rayed though, but it is possible. He was about 15 at the time.

[Ruby1]

I have a friend who works in X Ray - they reckon if the thyroid is enlarged and compressing the trachea it will get picked up.

I suspect they can’t go into details on the phone and just need to see you.

Best of luck!

[radd]

EA,

An X-ray won’t allow them to see what an ultrasound scan would, such as quite tiny nodules and cysts.

[Litatamon]

Yes initial findings.

My friend, who later found out she has Hashimoto's, was alerted of a thyroid issue from a fall skiing. She was quite young at the time - early twenties.

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My endocrinologist, who in fairness did not say x-ray, while trying to convey that nodules are not uncommon and not a huge issue (mine ended up to be an issue), stated that many are simply found due to other investigations in the area.