Nuclear Scan Done Today - Questions

[bunkywoo]

Hi All,

Had nuclear scan performed today. Afterwards, hospital dr. came in and told me I had hyperactive thyroid, which I already knew. Told me that I had one nodule on left side. Couldn't quite make sense of all he was saying (will see reg MD end of month and Endo specialist in April) but I wanted to see if this made sense.

Would a nodule (the pressure of) cause your thyroid to over/under produce? Also, if my dr. suggests medication to control she mentioned side effects. Does anyone know what sides are associated with these meds?

Thanks! Laurie

[utahmomma]

Usually on the nuclear scans they look for the function of the nodules.  "Hot" refers to a nodule that is over producing thyroid hormones, "warm" means that it is producing thyroid hormones but not at excess levels, and "cold" means it is producing no thyroid hormones.  Usually "Cold" are more suspicious for malignancy and "hot" often can mean that the patient is hyper.

http://www.endocrineweb.com/fna.html

Since you are hyper you may want to post the question about meds to GravesLady.  Hyperthyroidism can be treated with low doses of radiation (RAI), surgery, etc.  Here's more information:  http://www.endocrineweb.com/hyper1.html

My nodule wasn't producing hormones (although I did not have a nuclear scan), it was "complex" and mostly fluid filled (cystic) but had a 4-5mm area of papillary carcinoma.

[bunkywoo]

That post was directed to you too, but apparently your name got cut off and only Utahmomma's name appeared. Didn't want you to think I slighted you!

Laurie

[bunkywoo]

Thanks for your responses. Not sure I understand what you mean about hot, warm or cold - because they didn't mention anything about that yesterday. What is that supposed to mean?

I do keep all of my test records. Found out the value of that a few years ago going through Hep C treatment. I would even bring up tests to my dr. that he never heard about that I learned through the great posters on Medhelp. In this day and age you are foolish to put your absolute trust in dr's. And I ask a ton of questions; which some dr's I get the feeling don't appreciate - but too bad I say - it's my life not theirs.

Never got to the point of asking my dr what side affects she was alluding too last visit. But will ask at the end of the month if she decides to try. Also, has anyone been put on meds temporarily and they put your thyroid back in sinc and then you went off of them?

Thanks for both of your responses.

Laurie

[charley1986]

Yes, nodules can cause thyroid problems.  Since this was a nuclear scan, I have the same ? as utahmomma - did they mention hot, warm or cold?  Have you had a thyroid ultrasound or had mention of FNA?  I don't know anyone personally who has had side effects from taking thyroid meds other than tweaking the amount so that your body gets the right amount to keep you from being hypo or hyper thyroid.  Some here have seen effects of generic vs. name brand because of the fillers used in generics, I think.  3 things:  Get copies of all your tests and keep your own folder.   Write down any and all questions you have and take them with you to the endo appt.    Read all you can about thyroid issues - knowledge is power....doctors seem to treat you different when they know that you have some knowlegde that the average person does not have regarding your health.  Hope all goes well - keep us in the loop!
Peace,
Charley

[utahmomma]

Did they mention the words "hot", "warm", or "cold"?