removal of thyroid nodule for feeling of sensation in throat

[Rothko]

Had thyroid uptake done in 2001 because of small goiter to the left of the center of my throat. Five years later had a very bad upper respiratory infection, which I fought for at least one month.  Finally it finished and shortly after this I developed a lump in my throat.  First Doc gave me antibiotics for tonsils, still present.  Second doc gave me same for sinus still present.  Went to new GP blood work came back all normal including thyroid results.  Had an upper GI - normal and sinus x-rays,(came back with sinusitis) CT scan - normal and thyroid u/s showed 4 nodules in right lobe, largest being 1.8. and three nodules in left lobe. Was on amoxacillian for 10 days no relief.  Went to ENT and he said I should stop taking antibiotics and gave me Prevacid, I took this for 1 and half months - no relief. Went to Gastroenterologist and she told me she didn't believe that I had reflux. She sent me to a new ENT.  He looked at ct scan and found a cyst.  He removed this and also removed a viral wart in my throat.  Has been three weeks after out patient surgery and I still feel this sensation in my throat. I have just had a thyroid biopsy of the largest nodule yesterday. (March 3 2006) Could this sensation in my throat be caused by this nodule?  ENT says it is possible because my throat is not large, but he wouldn't commit to giving me a yes on this.  I have not gone to an allergy specialist, and I thought I would go back to the Gastroenterologist for an endoscopic procedure before having the goiter removed, just in case this is the issue.  All  comments are welcome.
Thank you

[tanner257]

My story is similar to yours: felt a sensation in my throat a few years ago, not a sore throat, but sort of a feeling of fullness, difficulty in swallowing, kind of like there was a 'hocker' stuck in the back of my throat and I couldn't get it up or down (sorry for that analogy!). Like you I was sent to several doctors who was sure it is: stress, reflux, sinusitis, neuromuscular malfunction, etc. etc. etc. Finally, I had an U/S which revealed a nodule. My endo watched it for a couple of years (although the throat sensation made me crazy at times) since biopsy and all bloodwork came back normal and it didn't seem to be growing. Last year it DID enlarge and I became hoarse. Biopsy was now labeled suspicious, so I had lobectomy last summer. Let me tell you, even though my throat was sore for a few days, there was almost immediate relief  in being able to swallow.
I'm on 88 mcg of Synthroid and feel fine. I know how frustrating that sensation is; I look back and wonder how I could live with it so long.
Good luck - keep us posted.

[carolanne54]

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[ace75]

hi there

you are not alone going through same problems have had a goitre all my life, but about 2 years ago started causing me problems like a piece of apple stuck,and sometimes makes me want to burp all the time to clear it like trapped air,went to endo had xray and ultra sound said slightly bulkly with small nodules throughout and is normal? well not happy so going back for second opinion some days it drives me made now started getting hypo symptoms in 2 months i have be diagnoised with ezema prutnitis,fibrositis etc etc had tsh told normal 1.11 and neg antibodies well what do you do?
sorry to drone on but i know how frustrating this can be and complete sympathy goes out to you all
best wishes ace

[gassy]

Hi all!  Well I'm certainly glad I'm not alone with the lump in the throat thing going on. I too have had a lump in my throat since June 30/05 and to date no one can tell me what it is I'm hoping this may help.  Thanks

[tanner257]

Rothko, the nodule was 2.7 cm and my bloodwork was considered normal, although TSH moving toward hypo at the time of surgery (I can't remember the exact number) We hoped the remaining lobe would kick in and supply enough hormone, but it didnt' happen. Fortunately I haven't had any problems with Synthroid and TSH is now around 1.0.
They don't just remove thyroid nodules  - the minimum that is removed is one lobe (which is what I had) and sometimes the isthmus (middle part).

I too had an endoscope when trying to diagnose the feeling of being unable to swallow. The dr. thought maybe reflux. It isn't bad (you're asleep throughout)  but you do have a sore throat for a day or so.

[Rothko]

Thank you very much for all your comments.  I haven't gotten back the results from the biopsy yet as I just had this procedure done this past Friday.  If I understood you correctly Doctor I shouldn't have an endoscopic done and just rely on upper GI?  Secondly I have never had any surgery on my thyroid yet.  If the ENT does remove the goiter, that means he will remove the entire lobe, or is the goiter the entire lobe?  The goiter is on the right side and the sensation of a dry patch is on the left, could this be referred sensation?
Tanner 257 thank you for your comment.  I do have a few questions for you.  How large were your nodules?  Was your thyroid functioning normally as mine is?  And why did they remove the entire gland?
Thank you once again for all your comments.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Tough situation - after surgery the sensation of swelling in the neck may persist for a few months -- the GI eval will exclude any esophogeal problem.  Probably the best eval is an ENT at this point.  I am not sure how much thyroid surgery you have had -- typically we don't remove a nodule alone, but the whole thyroid lobe involved.  I presume this was benign.  Follow the ENT opinion and get a second ENT eval if symtpoms persist.