In a routine and final follow up scan for sarcoma (removed 15 years ago from my back,) I was declared cancer free of the sarcoma, however, nodules were identified on my thyroid, and one small 6mm in my lung.
The ultrasound of my thyroid indicated the following: A very large solid nodule measuring 3x1.3 x1.9 cm which is quite heterogeneous in echogenicity and relatively vascular. I also have a smaller one measuring 1.3 x .07 x1.2 cm. (oncologist was concerned and sent me to an endocrynologist.
Impression: The left thyroid lobe contains both solid and cystic and complex lesions and exhibits increased vascularity on interrogation with color doppler. The appearance would be consistent with collide nodules with varying degrees or cystic degeneration. Follow- up is mandatory at 6 mths, 12 mths and 2 years.
Is it possible that these nodules could be producing extra thyroid hormone and causing the heart problems. I am really at my wits end with what is going on with me.
Approximately 10 years ago, percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) was proposed as an alternative to RAI for the treatment of solitary, autonomous thyroid nodules.[66] Since then, PEI has also been used to treat nonfunctioning solid and cystic nodules.[67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74] Injection of 95% ethanol produces nodule shrinkage secondary to coagulative necrosis and thrombosis of small intranodular blood vessels.
It's very possible to have thyroid nodules and swollen lymph nodes that are not cancerous... Most of us, here on the forum, have nodules on our thyroid gland and they aren't cancer (I've had multiple nodules for years, that are not cancerous); in fact, less than 5% of all nodules turn out to be cancer.
The only way you can tell if a nodule is cancerous or not is to have a biopsy, if you have a dominant nodule.
If you have a FNA biopsy and get an indeterminate result, you will have to remove the thyroid to get a diagnosis. Many times they cannot see cancer until the thyroid is out and examined by a pathologist. Barb is right, no problem living without a thyroid, but living with cancer is another story! The nodules will not go away, you will probably lose thyroid function eventually, as my doctor/brother told me, do it now when you are young and get it over with!
Have you ever had a thyroid ultrasound to determine whether you have nodules on your thyroid or not? Many of us with hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's have nodules on our thyroid. Typically, they are nothing to worry about, but sometimes, the nodules can swell up. Sometimes the thyroid, itself can swell up/become inflamed... this is called a goiter. Both, nodules and goiter can also cause the feeling you refer to. I get it periodically, too.
You've been given some good advice... Thyroid nodules, if that's what you have, are very common with, both Graves Disease and Hashimoto's... I, personally, have quite a few of them. Less than 5% of all thyroid nodules turn out to be cancer.
What blood test did they do? Was it for thyroid? Do you have the results? Is so, please post them, along with reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own reports...
but in the past I have hhad a sore neck just in the back at the base of the skull. Sore and kind of stiff, that can radiaite to my back. Could thyroid nodules cause this, or is this more likey due to sinus, stress, tension? If thyroid nodules could cause this does it necassarily mean cancer? Any kind of info. would be great as I am extremely nervous. Also, the pain is not all the time, in fact it had been gone for a month and a half now.
d assume that they would be doing some thyroid tests -- make sure they do Free T3 and Free T4, as well as TSH. Also ask for thyroid antibody tests.
Your symptoms of anxiety and nervousness are typical of, both, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Do you have other symptoms? Symptoms of hyperthyroidism could include weight loss, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, mood swings. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, constipation, anxiety, depression, hair loss, dry skin and many more.
I guess my advice to you would be to take a deep breath and realize that problems with the thyroid usually progress slowly and that about 90% of nodules are benign. Also listen to your "gut feelings", not your fears (I know at times can be pretty hard to separate). I found that when I listen to mine, I am rarely disappointed.
I wish you the best of luck!
During the second surgery, which removed my remaining thyroid tissue, 3 lymph nodes were stuck to the side of the thyroid and were removed when the thyroid was removed, and 8 more swollen lymph nodes were removed in a clump from the "central compartment" of my neck. All 11 of those lymph nodes were non-cancerous.
Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by the immune system's attack on the thyroid with Hashimoto's.
If you can keep your thyroid, and you can stay stable on medication, a thyroid is better than no thyroid. Even if it has cysts and nodules, as long as they are benign.
If your levels are not able to be controlled, or if one of the nodules is suspicious for cancer, then I would press for surgery.
You do not give a very clear picture of what your tumors actually are, so it is a little hard to say definitely get it removed.
Your family history, on the other hand, is scary.
Is TSH the only thing you are being tested for? You need also to get the Free T3 and Free T4 tests. Those are the actual thyroid hormones and you won't be able to get a full picture of what's going on without them. If you have thyroid labs, please post them, here and be sure to include reference ranges, since those vary lab to lab and must come from your own report.
Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies?
I found a lump in my throat. Had a thyroid uptake done and a ultra sound and was told goiter with multiple nodules. Cold nodules and was hyperthyroid. I'm on 10 mg. Tapazole a day. I feel fine other than hair loss and muscle cramps which I now supplement magnesium and calcium and they go away. Problem is the goiter seems to be growing. Should I be concerned?
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