Just seen a doctor and been suggested that I have an ultrasound ...

[ErraticAspie]

Hi,

I am a 28 year old man who was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in October 2020. Recently, I have had some difficulties swallowing solid food, and then noticed a lump on the side of my neck. Saw the GP this morning and she confirmed that this is in fact a nodule on my thyroid and that this warrants further investigation via Ultrasound. Is there anything I should know or questions I should ask about this.

Thanks.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Nodules on thyroid are actual pretty common & most go unnoticed & the vast majority which are detected are both benign & do not affect thyroid function. Most do not function, but the healthy thyroid will compensate. Although some nodules do function the same as thyroid & some will over function.

You already know your thyroid is under active. If you have autoimmune it’s common for nodules to be associated with it. (Called Autoimmune Thyroiditis also known as Hashimoto’s)

Ultrasound is right next step.

You also need to check your blood test results which will usually be done by GP. The hospital won’t re run them. Ultrasound doesn’t show function.

Recommend you get a copy of the blood test results & the ultrasound report when you have this done. It will be sent to GP first.

Doctors / labs don’t always complete a full thyroid test. So you’ll need to check both what been tested & what the results are. Doctors accept anything “in range” but if a result is low or high you might need to push for further testing or there is the option to pay a private company & complete a finger prick test.

If your optimally replaced thyroid & nodule swelling can reduce. It’s possible this may be affecting your swallowing issue.

Nodules over 1 cm are sometimes given a fine needle aspiration, which sounds scary but is a really straightforward procedure. 19 out of 20 samples need no further investigation. My 5cm nodule was benign & I was told everything normal, but there was a function issue (which was missed). This is now treated & under control.

[serenfach]

Your GP has done the right thing. The scan is painless and they may do a fine needle biopsy - again does not hurt and quite quick. No after effects. The hospital will write to your GP with the results, how long this takes depends where you are. Ask the GP for the results to stop it getting lost in the general clutter. You are entitled to the results with no cost. Good luck!

[LilacandMint]

I had ultrasound which showed 'nodules'. A CT scan showed that they were just the top of a large multinodular goitre, one half was hidden in my chest. They were pressing on my windpipe and gullet.