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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Enlarged thyroid and lymph nodes?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Enlarged thyroid and lymph nodes?
by Lexi7121, Jun 15, 2008 02:44PM
If you would help with my question, I will be so grateful.
In march I went for a routine exam and my doc found a swollen lymph node. A few weeks later, I had several more. He ran a slew of blood work--only to find elevated TPO antibodies. Around 200. He said it was probably thyroiditis.
A few weeks later, I could feel something in my throat when I swallowed and so I returned to my ENT and he did an ultrasound. He said it was moderately enlarged but no seen nodules. So he sent me home again.
Well I am on month 3 since all this was discovered and my throid has enlarged to where it is visible and uncomfortable. I still have enlarged lymph nodes in my neck that have not gone down. In fact, I have many more enlarged lymph nodes since then. I am so afraid that it may be thyroid cancer. I just don't understand what is going on and I feel like my doctor doesn't either.
I have no symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. My hormone levels were all normal.
What could be going on? Why the enlarged lymph and thyroid? Do I need to worry? Please help!!
Thank you for your time,
Lexi
In march I went for a routine exam and my doc found a swollen lymph node. A few weeks later, I had several more. He ran a slew of blood work--only to find elevated TPO antibodies. Around 200. He said it was probably thyroiditis.
A few weeks later, I could feel something in my throat when I swallowed and so I returned to my ENT and he did an ultrasound. He said it was moderately enlarged but no seen nodules. So he sent me home again.
Well I am on month 3 since all this was discovered and my throid has enlarged to where it is visible and uncomfortable. I still have enlarged lymph nodes in my neck that have not gone down. In fact, I have many more enlarged lymph nodes since then. I am so afraid that it may be thyroid cancer. I just don't understand what is going on and I feel like my doctor doesn't either.
I have no symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. My hormone levels were all normal.
What could be going on? Why the enlarged lymph and thyroid? Do I need to worry? Please help!!
Thank you for your time,
Lexi
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jun 19, 2008 06:18AM
, Jun 19, 2008 06:18AM
This sounds like Hashimoto's thyroiditis -- which may cause swelling of lymph nodes. It depends on the characteristics of the lymph nodes on ultrasound as to whether a biopsy should be done or if they can be observed over time -- the majority of these are benign "reactive" enlargement of lymph nodes to inflammation. The thyroid ultrasound did not show a nodule, making thyroid cancer not very likely.
