Numerous Nodules!

[lola4502]

Ok, I just had a fine needle biopsy for a nodule on my right side that was 2.4 cm.  I also have one on the left side, but not as big.  They called me and told me that the results were benign, and to have another ultrasound done in a few months to make sure it's not growing.  My question is now what? Can these nodules go down in size, and where do these nodules come  from? Stress? Overindulging in something?  I am fairly new to this "Thyroid Thing" so any help would be appreciated.  By the way, I had no symptoms and actually went to see the doctor for a gallbladder issue.  It was found on accident, I also have an ulcer-  could all of these be related?  HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  thanks

[deekay]

Wow, it sounds like FNA can be a bit unreliable in that you never know if it's going to hit the 'right spot' or not.  Scarey in that something could be missed. Does it take a long time to get results?

[kitcurious]

When I had FNA it didn't hurt much when they pierced the skin.  When he pierced the nodule, pain did refer to my jaw and ear. Endo said this does happen with thyroid pain. It was a bit more uncomfortable afterwards, just like lola4502's. I couldn't comfortably turn my head on the side it had been done on for a day or so. All in all it's not too bad. The worst part was he didn't get enough material for eval, so to get a resolution I have to do it again.

[zazaa]

I did change my name - FYI-  i'm still here and I'm under zazaa now!

[lola4502]

thanks for your info- I definately will watch it like a hawk!!!!  Appreciate your time!  : )

[lola4502]

Thanks for taking the time to give me all that info- I really appreciate it.  Not too many people out there like you!

[lola4502]

The FNA actually only hurt afterwards, when the swelling came up and I couldn't really swallow.  But they give you a local anastethic during the procedure and really all you feel is pressure, and puncturing.  All in all it wasn't too bad.  What's funny is that I am all into chinese astrology, and before I entered the forum here, I was reading up on my sign(Dragon) and it's quite funny that you called me brave because that's what I just finished reading about myself!  I guess I really am, considering I gave birth to my second child in half an hour with no pain med!  Thanks for the compliment- it made my night!

[deekay]

I, too, had the "thyroid surprise" after having a carotid ultrasound.  You sound very brave.  Did the FNA hurt and how long did it take?  Thank you.

[ChitChatNine]

My original two nodules were atypical and turned out to be benign and were overgrowth of thyroid tissue with no known reason.

Cheryl

[utahmomma]

Thyroid nodules aren't that rare.  I read a study that said when you are 30 you have a 30% chance of having thyroid nodules, at 40 you have a 40% chance, and on it goes.  Guess if we all make it to 100 we're going to have them for sure.  :-)

As pep said, FNAs are over-rated for diagnosing nodules.  Two of my sisters had FNAs that were benign but they did have thyroid cancer.   The needle just didn't hit the right spot of their nodules.

It is estimated that 90-95% of thyroid nodules are benign.  Did you have an ultrasound?  If so, what did the report say?  Cystic nodules are no big deal - just filled with fluid.  If they get too large they need to be removed but they usually just hang around.  Solid nodules are made up of thyroid tissue and can contain other materials.  They may be producing hormones - even in high amounts.  If they are overproducing they can cause hormonal imbalances however if they have rough edges it is a suspicious sign.  The ones that are the most suspicious are the complex or heterogeneous nodules - those contain both solid and fluid - these are the ones that need to be carefully checked.  That's what I had - even though it was small (5mm) it contained cancer.

Having normal labs can be a sign of concern too since most people with cancerous nodules have perfectly normal lab - my cancerous nodule was found on an unrelated CT scan.  My sisters was found on a chest x-ray following a traffic accident.

There isn't anything that *causes* thyroid nodules - just an overly ambitious thyroid.

Here's some good info that could help:  http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html

Remember - 90-95% are benign.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma

[pep88]

I'm not sure what you want to do, and I'm not an expert, but I had a couple of nodules that I had no idea were there, no symptoms at all, and all my labs were "fine".  Turned out the FNA (which are highly over-rated for catching the exact part of the nodule that might be "something") said that mine was suspicious.  Not positive, but suspicious.  After surgery, it was cancer.  Not saying yours is, but I would watch the situtation like a hawk and keep watching this site.  I've learned a TON!  Coming into this not knowing a thing about thyroids or the issues people have with them, the forum has been a blessing.  

Good luck with your journey.  Let us know if we can help.

[ifupleze]

There is a website, www.allthyroid.org, where you might get some good info.  I don't have nodules, so I can't help you on this.  Search nodules on this sight.