lump in the lower side of my neck

[Thyroidproblemcarb]

Good day to everyone. I was diagnosed thyroiditis last march this year and started on carbimazole 10mg once a day and propanalol 20mg twice a day. after 3 weeks i developed hives so my endocrinologist changed my carbimazole to PTU 100mg twice a day. I only having hives but not too much during the night now. 2 days ago I noticed that I have a big lump on my left lower sided of my neck. It is movable but im so scared. anyone experienced this pls? Thank you

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum

Thyroiditis is where the immune system attacks the thyroid & the damaged cells in thyroid release hormone. It’s often called Hashimoto’s.

Gradually the thyroid is damaged and over time it can’t produce enough.

The rise is transient and levels naturally drop. Symptoms are treated with propranolol. Anti thyroid, however reduces production of new hormone. So often causes too great a sudden drop in levels.

Antithyroid should be taken when it has been confirmed the thyroid is continuously over producing.

10mg carbimazole a very low starting dose. Were you treated for over range FT4 & FT3 or was it due to low TSH?

PTU dose is equal to 10x carbimazole so 100mg PTU is equivalent 10mg carbimazole. Seems you were increased when switched.

Does the lump move when you swallow? Low down on neck ie near to collar bone does sound like a thyroid location.

I have what you describe, it’s was ultrasound scanned & as very large (over 5cm) I was given a fine needle aspiration. It was diagnosed as a benign nodule. Mine hyper functions & is the cause of my hyper. Mine isn’t autoimmune.

Which antibodies have been tested?

Ideally you need all thyroid antibodies tested.

TRab (TSH receptor antibodies) - measures stimulating, neural & blocking antibodies.

TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies)

TGab (Thyroglobulin antibodies)

TSI (Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin)

If negative for antibodies thyroid should be scanned for nodules & or uptake scan to look a function.

Antithyroid treatment should be based on FT4 & FT3. TSH is not reliable as can be low for many reasons.

Do you have access to blood test results to see what your results were / are? You can also ask reception for printed copies of results with lab ranges. Ranges vary so always needed.

Also important folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D is tested.

Do you take an antihistamine to help with hives?

[Thyroidproblemcarb in reply to PurpleNails]

hi. Thank u for the response i really appreciate it. I went to GP and told me she ask the hospital to do scan for my neck and wait for the call when it will happen. It was on the right side almost back of my neck. I massaged it yesterday and today it went smaller a little bit so i am thinking it might be a swollen lymph node. They have done my blood test before and the results were

BLOOD RESULTS:

April 4 2024

TSH <0.01 (0.3-5.0)

Free T4 52.7 (7.9-16.0)

Free T3 19.6 (3.8-6.0)

April 22,2024

TSH <0.01

Free T4 21.6

Free T3 7.1

Wcc 6.8

Anti thyroid peroxidase 19 (<9)

Tsh receptors antibody 17.4 (0-0.9).

When i was on carbimazole and experienced hives and cannot tolerated the itchiness i am taking anti histamine. Now im on PTU i dont experience hives anymore. I will be due of blood test again this coming 2nd week of june. I am hoping this lump on my neck is continuesly getting smaller.