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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?
by MelissaKay, Feb 11, 2004 12:00AM
I'm a 30 year old female, and in excellent health. However, for the last 2 weeks I have seen bumps(like nodules)form on my head and neck. I have one large bump on the back of my head(lower base of skull, approx. size of a quarter and hard, two smaller lumps below that(round and smooth, size of dimes), a larger lump behind the ear(size of a nickel, not as hard as others), and one on the neck(which is small but sensitive when touched). I saw a physician at a clinic and was given antibiotics. I was told I had an infection in my glands. I'm not experiencing any "cold" symptoms, but I am experiencing the following symptoms:
1. Dry mouth
2. mild constipation
3. cold hands and cold feet
4. throat is a bit dry and feels like a bit "full". Almost have difficulty swallowing.
5. lumps don't seem to be getting smaller or going away with antibiotics.
I would love some insight into the possibilities of this. I have researched where my thyroid gland is etc. and the lumps def. fall exactly were the glands are, so that is not in question. I'm not sure if I should go to see someone in Internal Medicine, or I'm just jumping the gun and it will go away. Thanks for your time and any possible insight.
1. Dry mouth
2. mild constipation
3. cold hands and cold feet
4. throat is a bit dry and feels like a bit "full". Almost have difficulty swallowing.
5. lumps don't seem to be getting smaller or going away with antibiotics.
I would love some insight into the possibilities of this. I have researched where my thyroid gland is etc. and the lumps def. fall exactly were the glands are, so that is not in question. I'm not sure if I should go to see someone in Internal Medicine, or I'm just jumping the gun and it will go away. Thanks for your time and any possible insight.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 13, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 13, 2004 12:00AM
It is possible that the bumps are enlarged lymph nodes - observing them for several weeks after a course of antibiotics is a reasonable option.
If they still don't go away, you may want to consider an ENT referral to evaluate for a possible biopsy. This would give a more definitive diagnosis.
Regarding thyroid conditions - it can certainly cause dry mouth, cold hands/feet, and constipation. The easist thing to do would be to obtain a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test, to screen for hyper or hypo thyroidism. If your physician does not agree, you may want to consider a second opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
If they still don't go away, you may want to consider an ENT referral to evaluate for a possible biopsy. This would give a more definitive diagnosis.
Regarding thyroid conditions - it can certainly cause dry mouth, cold hands/feet, and constipation. The easist thing to do would be to obtain a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test, to screen for hyper or hypo thyroidism. If your physician does not agree, you may want to consider a second opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments (2)
by ozark, Feb 12, 2004 12:00AM
have you been checked for mono? do you have any scratches or sores on your scalp?
by MelissaKay, Feb 12, 2004 12:00AM
To: ozark
Hello. Thanks for your comment. I don't have any sores on my scalp. Actually, all of the lumps/bumps are quite solid and they don't hurt except for the one on my neck is a little tender. You'd never know I had these lumps unless you looked behind my ear and pulled my hair apart. I forgot to add that I'm also losing quite a bit of weight and I don't have my appetite anymore. Do you have an idea what the specific symptoms of mono are? I appreciate any insight. Thanks again. MelissaKay
