upper sterum enlargement

[auntiepam]

My internist is referring me to an endocrinologist for symptoms of possible thyroid problems.  My TSH was low end of normal. (it has slowly dropped over last few years)  However, in the last month I have noticed a enlarged "puffy" area on my upper sternum.  Could this be a goiter?  I continue to get a hard to swallow feeling and choking sensation.  My neck is so stiff and sore.  I can feel palpatation, nervousness, agitations, but yet fatigue. I get so warm and clammy at times, but not all the time.  Should I go back to my internist for more testing?  My appointment isn't until the end of July with the endo.  Last night I was up most of the night with an uncomfortable hyperness and palpatations.  Can someone please direct me, I don't want to get behind the eight ball and get into a major problem. Thanks!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

To see if this is a goiter - start with an ultrasound.  Retest TSH along with T4/T3 to confirm a pattern.  A TSH at the low end of normal, typically would not reflect signiicant hyperthyroidism to account for the symptoms, particularly if there has been a slow drop over the years and the symptoms are new --- unless this is the beginning of a new thyroid problem (ie, thyroiditis or Graves).

[auntiepam]

Thanks for the advice.  I will be calling my internist in the morning.  I don't want another night like the last. Has anyone ever got hiccups with hyper symptoms?  AP